I topped once and probably should have a second time. The seed is from OGS; and she warned the plants can get tall. We are growing for ourselves and friend, so I wasn't training for maximum production. She's set back 30' from the fence, but walking towards that fence there is a sweet spot where you can see her. I picked up some free bamboo yesterday off of CL; I'm gonna start working on the scaffolding this weekend!
Re, the picnic: Salem would be great (location) for me! Your folks are into it? I think members are cautious, & like Treemansbuds said, it will be a busy time of year for us. It would be sweet if you could count on November being nice, weather-wise - but that ain't gonna happen. Put a hard date out there and see who will commit. See if it's worth your trouble. Your beets look almost as good as your girls.