GMU Geotechnical Donates Giant Pumpkin to Historic Mission
Dubbed “Prettiest Pumpkin” at Pumpkin Mania Contest
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, October 30, 2008 – Mission San Juan Capistrano is providing a temporary home to an award-winning 475-lb. giant pumpkin, donated by GMU Geotechnical, Inc. in Rancho Santa Margarita. The giant pumpkin was named “prettiest pumpkin” at the Pumpkin Mania Contest Oct. 25, and took first in a competition among employees of Rancho Mission Viejo. The Rancho Mission Viejo contest was judged by Tony and Melinda Moiso; Tony serves as President of the Mission Preservation Foundation.
“It’s amazing how much work goes into growing a giant pumpkin,” remarked Russ Price, a GMU Senior Soils Technician and San Juan Capistrano resident who participated the effort to grow the pumpkin. Russ was part of the Calabaza Vaqueros (“Pumpkin Cowboys”) team led by team captain Gary Urban, president of GMU Geotechnical, a participant in Rancho Mission Viejo’s annual Portola Ride and a supporter of the Mission Parish School.
The growing effort included a lengthy process of preparing the soil, using organic fertilizers, training the vines, burying the vines to stimulate root growth and much more. It took about two months to grow, with the pumpkin growing 20 lbs. a day during some periods. The giant pumpkin was one of 10 grown on a patch on Rancho Mission Viejo in San Juan Capistrano. Each pumpkin has a name; the Mission’s pumpkin is “Angus.”
The others were donated to other non-profit organizations in the community, with Mission San Juan Capistrano receiving the largest. The pumpkin will remain on the Mission grounds through Thanksgiving, unless an early decay forces its removal. The seeds from the pumpkin will be harvested to grow more pumpkins in the future.
Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, the Mission’s Executive Director, remarked, “We invite parents to bring their children to the Mission this fall so that they can enjoy our ‘prettiest’ giant pumpkin!”
Mission San Juan Capistrano is open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The Mission operations are funded by gate admissions – preservation work is funded by grants and fundraising efforts. To reach the Mission, take I-5 to the Ortega Highway exit to San Juan Capistrano. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children ages 3-11, and under 3 free. Price includes self-guided, digital audio tour. Information: (949) 234-1300. Mission address: 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. Website: www.missionsjc.com.
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