2012 Mapua Pumpkin Competition

PRESS RELEASE

2012 Mapua Pumpkin Competition

Club Mapua will launch the 2012 Mapua Pumpkin competition and have plants available at the Mapua Tavern on Thursday 20th October 2011.

A giant pumpkin of 497kg grown by John McKay won this years competition and created a new NZ record. Seeds from this giant pumpkin were kept have been used for the plants being made available through the Mapua Tavern from 20th October.

This is the 7th year the competition has been run and we encourage people from across the district to experience the fun of growing a pumpkin over summer and enjoying the festivities on weigh in day.

"This is a great community event and with last years record the competition really has heated up. It would be fantastic to see if the 500kg barrier can be broken this year. There is a lot of rivalry between some contestants and right up until the weigh in at the end of March entrants are very guarded about their growing techniques." said competition founder Graeme Snook.

"It is a great opportunity for everyone in the community to get involved, as well as the coveted trophy for the heaviest pumpkin there many other categories including children's sections, arty farty and of course ugly fugly" said Martyn Barlow of Club Mapua.

"In previous years we have had pumpkins flown in by helicopter, fantastic prizes and even fancy dress and last year we raised over $1100 for the Summit Rescue Helicopter who will again benefit from the proceeds for this years competition. Registrations are open at the Mapua Tavern where you can secure one of the first plants grown from seeds from last years winning pumpkin and entry is only $5".

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