Ray Tolman

Ray Tolman

Ray is considered the Father of Giant Pumpkin Growing in Utah. Ray was involved with giant pumpkin growing from the beginning and set the first Utah State Record of 132 lbs. back in 1990 before Altantic Giant seeds were used in Utah. He has held the state record three times. Ray has spent years promoting the sport of giant pumpkin growing in Utah, organizing weigh-offs and more. Many of Utah's top growers consider Ray to be a mentor to them. Ray was instrumental in the organization of the Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers club in 2005 and served as the Membership/Sponsorship Coordinator and also a Vice President during the first 5 years. Pumpkin growing in Utah would not be what it is today without Ray Tolman.


Ross Bowman

Ross Bowman

After a successful career as a rocket scientist, Ross turned his focus to giant pumpkins. After retirement, he wanted to bring smiles to the faces of those in town by growing giant pumpkins in his garden. That he did! Ross was the first grower to bring 3 seperate 1000 lb pumpkins to a single weigh off. He went on to win 2 weigh offs and was the first grower in Utah to top the 2000 lb mark. At the age of 86 Ross brought 3 pumpkins to the Hee Haw Farms weigh off totally 5859 lbs, including the new state record of 2142 lbs. He also won the 2012 ginormous pumpkin regatta. Ross is respected as a great person and a friend to UGPG growers far and wide.