Press Releases
April 22, 2008
Get Growing for Fair’s 13th Annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off
Cabbage growers, it’s time to get growing! The Alaska State Fair’s 13th annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off and Max Sherrod Junior Cabbage Growers Award will be held Friday, August 29 at 6 p.m. at Farm Exhibits on the fairgrounds. Although the entry forms, which are available at www.alaskastatefair.org, aren’t due until August 15, growers should start planning now.
“It’s not too late to get your seeds planted – but time is running out,” said Bridgette Preston, contest coordinator. “We always hope we get new entrants. That helps us keep the tradition alive.”
This year’s Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off features more than $5,000 in prize money, including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second place, $500 for third place, and $50 each for fourth - 20th place. Last year’s top honors went to Steve Hubacek, whose 87.7-pound cabbage put him in first place. Scott Robb took second with his 87.0-pound cabbage, and Seth Dinkel finished third with a 79.7 pounder.
“The prize money is an added enticement to grow a big cabbage, but for the truly dedicated cabbage growers, it’s the possibility of being crowned cabbage king or queen for the year. It’s like winning the Iditarod, summiting Denali or catching a huge salmon,” Preston said. “Being part of a great tradition is very appealing, and some of our growers are trying to capture a permanent place in the record books.”
For the younger growers, there’s the Max Sherrod Junior Cabbage Growers Award. This contest, sponsored by Q 99.7 Valley Radio, is open to growers aged 12 and under, as of April 1, 2008. The first place winner receives $250 in cash and gift cards, followed by $150 in cash and gift cards for second place, and $100 in cash and gift cards for third place. In addition to the cabbage, these entrants also display a poster charting the growth of their entry.
“We love our junior entrants,” Preston said. “It’s always exciting to see the kids, no matter what the size of their cabbage is. And some of them are growing real whoppers!”
Rules and regulations for both contests can be found on the registration form, which is available at the Fair’s main office or online at www.alaskastatefair.org. Completed forms must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on August 15 to 2075 Glenn Hwy., Palmer, Alaska 99645. Forms may also be faxed to 907.746.2699.
For more information, visit www.alaskastatefair.org or contact Pamella Meekin, Fair vendor and exhibits manager, at 907.746.7159 or pamella@alaskastatefair.org.
Tips from the 2007 Winners
Two of last year’s top-three finishers took a few minutes away from tending their cabbages to share some tips with aspiring giant cabbage growers. Both Scott Robb, who took second in the 2007 Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off, and Seth Dinkel, the third place finisher, are already growing their entries for this year’s 13th annual Giant Cabbage Weigh-Off.
- Seeds. “You must start off with the right seed, and know the genetics,” said Robb, who cross-breeds a variety of his own cabbages. “Look up tips on the Internet to find the right seed,” Dinkel added.
- Timing. “The ones that I have right now, I started on (April) 15th,” Robb said. “It all depends on what cabbage you are growing.”
- Placement. “You have to know where to plant them, preferably in a shady place,” Dinkel said.
- Food and water. “Feed them well, not over doing it, and keep the soil evenly moist,” Robb said.
- Tender, loving care. “You have to take care of them every day,” Dinkel said. “Be attentive and be in tune,” Robb added. “The more time you spend out there, the better.”
