The Great Peachum Pumpkin Feud: A Town United by Giant Gourds and Friendly Rivalry
The tranquil landscape of Peacham, Vermont, has become the unlikely stage for a burgeoning rivalry, a good-natured but fiercely contested feud centered on the pursuit of colossal cucurbits. The genesis of this spirited competition, which promises to culminate in a grand autumnal spectacle, has been meticulously documented by none other than the Caledonian Record, the esteemed local newspaper of St. Johnsbury. A recent article, penned by Amy Ash Nixon, has illuminated the "Great Pumpkin Fest" planned for Peacham this fall, a celebration ostensibly born from a resident-led initiative to invigorate the town's farmers market.
However, beneath the veneer of community-driven enthusiasm lies a more personal and playfully antagonistic dynamic. The article reveals that the pumpkin-themed farmers market, complete with a giant pumpkin growing contest, is the direct result of a "gentleman's wager" between the Peacham Select Board Chairman, Alfred Deedum, and none other than this very documentarian, Morgan Gold.
The seeds of this rivalry were sown during a town meeting, where Chairman Deedum, with a hint of mischief, alluded to the forthcoming pumpkin contest. Displaying what he termed "unsportsmanlike" restraint in keeping his burgeoning pumpkin ambitions to himself, he nonetheless encouraged others to join the fray. It was then that the gauntlet was playfully thrown down. Gold, present at the meeting, couldn't resist a direct query: "Have you started yet?" Deedum's immediate and cagey retort, "I'm not telling you," ignited a humorous exchange that has since taken on a life of its own.
Michelle Pomemeroy, the Peacham Farmers Market manager, shed further light on the motivations behind the pumpkin-centric event. While acknowledging the apparent "pumpkin frenzy spreading across Peachum," she emphasized the market's broader goal of injecting new vitality into their offerings by highlighting different seasonal produce. The giant pumpkin, it seems, was a particularly compelling focal point.
Pomemeroy also alluded to the underlying wager, noting the "pretty high" stakes involved in this friendly competition between the select board chair and the local documentarian. True to the spirit of Peacham, she expressed optimism that this rivalry would serve as a catalyst for community engagement.
Chairman Deedum himself, when questioned about the pumpkin event inspired by his bet with Gold, expressed genuine excitement. He readily admitted that it "started out as a bet between Morgan Gold and myself," and that he envisioned expanding it into a broader community competition for sheer fun.
Since the announcement of the pumpkin festival, Deedum noted a "surprising amount of enthusiasm and smack talking" amongst potential participants. Demonstrating his commitment to the cause, he proudly revealed his acquisition of a "knit pumpkin hat from Etsy," specifically designated for "official pumpkin business only," which may even include interviews.
For his part, Gold corroborated Deedum's account of the pumpkin contest's origins. Deedum recalled a visit to the Tunbridge Fair, which left him with a fervent desire to cultivate a giant pumpkin. Shortly thereafter, during a casual lunch with Gold, he shared his ambitious plan. Gold, ever the competitor, swiftly transformed the personal endeavor into a head-to-head challenge, declaring that Deedum's pumpkin would be the one to surpass.
The stakes of this horticultural showdown are indeed significant and steeped in local color. Deedum, with a chuckle, revealed that should he succeed in growing the largest pumpkin, Gold's recently constructed and "pretty nice timber frame barn" would be christened the "Alfred Deedum Center for Agricultural Excellence," complete with a bust of the victor, its placement contingent on the most flattering lighting. Gold, while perhaps less enthusiastic about the bust, conceded that a plaque might be "more architecturally appropriate."
Adding another layer to this engaging narrative, Deedum disclosed that a Gold victory would grant him the right to name Deedum's newly acquired 22-foot sailboat. Gold, embracing the spirit of the competition, announced his intention to document his pumpkin-growing journey on YouTube, even mentioning the receipt of "magic seeds" from a few enthusiastic viewers, fueling his hopes of cultivating a true "monster." Deedum, not to be outdone, hinted at a plethora of "pumpkin ideas germinating" in his own mind.
Indeed, as this correspondent can attest, the details outlined in the Caledonian Record are unequivocally accurate. The friendly feud between this documentarian and his neighbor, Alfred – a man aptly described as a "wizard with machines, a genius in blue jeans" and "Vermont's best so and so" – is very much a reality.
Past forays into pumpkin cultivation on this farm have primarily focused on smaller, calorie-efficient varieties like the New England pie pumpkin, primarily intended as feed for the animals. However, the prospect of a head-to-head giant pumpkin competition with Alfred has ignited a desire to "go big or go home."
Fortuitously, several individuals have already generously provided giant pumpkin seeds, and further internet research has yielded promising additional varieties. The plan is to initiate the germination process in the coming days, although it remains slightly premature to start them directly in the ground, as the seedlings need to reach an optimal size for transplanting.
The majority of the pumpkin plants will eventually find their home within the confines of the greenhouse. This controlled environment will provide an extended growing season, conveniently aligning with the timeframe for transitioning the birds into that space in October.
A morning visit to the farm's current residents revealed the flourishing state of the younger generation. Princess Buttercup, daughter of Ann of Green Gables, displayed remarkable energy and vitality. Bonnie McMurray's curly-haired calf has officially been christened Curly Sue, a name perfectly capturing her unique fleece. The farm's lone bull calf now answers to Meatloaf, a suggestion from a Blue Sky friend that proved irresistible. The final calf awaiting a name, belonging to Belinda Carile, is currently a candidate for "Cindy Looper," a playful nod to a potential 80s music-themed bovine family.
Looking ahead, Ariel appears to be the next expectant mother nearing calving. The anticipation for more new arrivals is a constant undercurrent of farm life.
The secret weapon in this pumpkin-growing contest, it is believed, lies in the abundant natural fertilizer readily available on the farm. The copious compost and cow manure are expected to provide a significant advantage, complementing good seed genetics and the controlled environment of the greenhouse, which should offer an extended growing season. This "cheating" advantage, however, remains a closely guarded secret.
Excitingly, the Peacham Great Pumpkin Festival will be open to all aspiring giant pumpkin growers. The weigh-in and competition are scheduled to take place on the town green in October. Furthermore, the possibility of an online component for Gold Shaw Farm viewers is being explored, inviting virtual participation through submitted photos and weights. Ideas and suggestions for facilitating this online contest are warmly welcomed.
Beyond the friendly rivalry, this pumpkin endeavor also carries a charitable purpose. A fundraiser for the Vermont Food Bank is planned as part of the Peacham festival, aiming to support those facing food insecurity within the state.
Even amidst the serious business of pumpkin cultivation, the everyday antics of farm life continue. A momentary traffic jam within the hoop coop, involving a couple of curious chickens, provided a lighthearted interlude. The greenhouse, soon to be the domain of burgeoning giant pumpkins, currently houses a broody black chicken with persistent maternal instincts.
Ultimately, the great Peacham pumpkin feud promises to be a delightful blend of friendly competition, community spirit, and agricultural ambition. Whether a giant pumpkin hat or a YouTube documentation will prove the decisive factor remains to be seen. And while the local documentarian may possess a perceived one-month head start,