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Updated: 7:26 PM Oct 24, 2007
The Pumpkin House Gets Ready!
For the first time ever, we talk with the pumpkin lady! Sandi Griffith will be the first one to tell you--her husband really is crazy.
Posted: 6:59 PM Oct 24, 2007Reporter: Carrie Cline Email Address: carrie.cline@wsaz.com |
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6 Comments 
The pumpkin house!!! Need we say more? It's become a priority-one Halloween tradition for thousands of families in our region and beyond! And every year we tell you about the pumpkin man, Ric Griffith, and all of his madness.
Tonight, for the first time ever, we talk with the pumpkin lady! Sandi Griffith will be the first one to tell you--her husband really is crazy.
“I've learned to quit complaining. If you look at power boxes, he kept blowing breakers so he got electricians in to put in boxes... To do more.” said Sandi.
“I've got timers on everything so don't blow the fridge which she who one must obey appreciates,” said Ric.
He jokes, but for Ric Griffith, the real challenge behind the pumpkin house has been keeping Mrs. Griffith happy.
“I complained because we didn't have any storage and I came home one day and we have this two-story building. I complained about the yard, but I won't say too much about that because I'm afraid he'll concrete the yard over.” said Sandi.
Sandi Griffith sounds like a reluctant partner in all of this…
“I'm not a fan of messes or crowds so I don't have much choice about that,” said Sandi.
But, when you carve out the chaos and Ric is somewhere out of earshot buried deep in his work, the pumpkin lady fesses up.
“I would probably not admit it to him and want to make sure he can't hear me, but I love it. It's like our town's homecoming because we see people we haven't seen all year and people come from around the world,” said Sandi.
And dedicated volunteers, like Richard Dorsey, find some meaning in life.
“I love it, that's all I can say, I love it. I know I ain't going to do it much longer, I'm 77,” said Richard.
So, from the late 70s and only 4 pumpkins to today and more than three-thousand...Ric says at this point, the only way it will all end--is with his death.
“I said (to my wife) what will you do if I die before you and and thousands of people show up looking for pumpkins? She said, I'll put up a sign that says, "he's dead, go away!" said Ric.
As funny as that is, they're not joking. They fear that will be the only way to get the word out to the thousands of devoted followers.
Some new things to look forward to--The wall of pumpkins is one-third larger than it was last year and expect some singing pumpkins.
Latest Comments
Ms.Cline, Thanks so much for your coverage on Rickey's pumpkinmania. Being his sister has allowed me firsthand to watch the process. I try each year to explain the many steps and team effort used to the children I teach. We have visited the house and know lst hand about how much work and fun is involved. This year, I have not been able to get my students to Ric's house, so your article was very helpful in teaching about preparation for the Halloween night fun. Pictures are a must with children who have autism and your station's, plus the Today show were great teaching tools for me, not to mention enjoyment to watch. Happy Halloween to You and Yours. DJ Perdue "The middle Griffith child" (LOL)
He was on Ellen last year I think.
When will the Great Pumpkin House display be available for viewing? I did not see that info in your story.
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