As Halloween approaches, various pumpkin-related activities are being launched across the United States. In Tualatin, Oregon, local residents recently held their annual pumpkin regatta, attracting a large crowd of spectators to cheer on the participants.
According to the Associated Press, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, as the event is called, took place on October 19th. Since 2004, elaborately dressed individuals have been competing in a man-made lake in Tualatin.
Participants dress up as movie characters and other famous figures, riding giant hollowed-out pumpkins that float as they race across the lake.
Before the race begins, workers operate forklifts and heavy machinery to hoist enormous pumpkins and transport them into the water. Growers and competitors then use saws and knives to carve a hole in the top of the pumpkin, scooping out the slimy flesh with spoons, scrapers, and their hands to create seating for themselves.
As they hollow out the pumpkins, the more flesh they remove, the lighter the pumpkin boat becomes, giving participants a competitive advantage to reach the finish line faster. The seeds and flesh they extract are enough to fill a trash can.
In this year’s competition, participant Gary Kristensen dressed up as the character Buddy from the movie “Elf.” He piloted a 936-pound (425-kilogram) pumpkin boat, crossing the finish line first and claiming victory.
After his win, Kristensen said, “This is a beloved and thrilling event. You can see all kinds of costumes, cheering crowds, spectacular scenes, and sinking pumpkins – it’s all here.”
Kristensen has been participating in this event since 2013. Beyond being an annual spectacle, this activity has become a passion for him. Earlier this year, he paddled a pumpkin boat for 58 miles (94 kilometers) in the Columbia River, breaking his own Guinness World Record set the previous year.
Another participant, Brad Bahns, dressed as a character from the TV series “Squid Game.” This was his fourth time competing.
Bahns shared that he spent six months growing a massive 1,376-pound (624-kilogram) pumpkin, breaking his personal record. He placed it in the lake and rowed with friends to conclude the season.
He mentioned, “It’s a bit addictive now.”
Members of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Association were responsible for cultivating the pumpkins for this annual event. The association describes itself on its website as being devoted to the fun and competitive hobby of growing giant vegetables.
When asked about cultivating giant pumpkins successfully, Kristensen shared his simple recipe for success: “Good seeds, good soil, good luck, and hard work.”
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