The AZGVG wants to help gardeners/growers, in whatever way we can, to ensure they have the support needed to get their vegetables recognized. The SunStroke Giant Vegetable Weigh-Off gives gardeners some relief from Arizona’s already limited vegetable show opportunities — and is especially important in 2021 as local fairs continue to be cancelled.
“Many parts of the United States have multiple shows over multiple weekends for their gardeners.” said Dean Baker, President of the AZGVG. “In order to fairly care for Arizona growers trying to compete in County Fair Horticulture Shows, or participate in the Giant Vegetable Championships, we’ve had to get creative — and give more people the chance to succeed.”
The AZGVG prides itself on its willingness to help growers get their vegetables weight, or measured, in accordance with International and Guinness World Record rules. The Association owns its own scales, which can be transported to wherever its needed to ensure every giant pumpkin, giant watermelon, or other giant vegetable is properly weighed or measured. “For the smaller vegetables, we often arrange, with a local grocery store, to meet the gardener and weigh their vegetable on the store’s certified scale,” said Baker.
A list of recognized Arizona Records for giant vegetables can be found on the AZGVG webpage at ‘Arizona Records‘ tab.
To enter a giant vegetable in the competition, a grower needs to contact the AZGVG by email at GrowEmBig@AZGVG.COM to arrange a time and place to weigh the entry. An AZGVG representative will assist the grower weigh, or measure, their giant vegetable as required. The results will be recorded as part of the Sunstroke Giant Vegetable Weigh-Off and eligible for end-of-year awards.