The small town of Tualatin Oregon gets popular every fall season during October with the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Since 2004 people have gathered to watch and cheer on participants who race across a small lake in enormous pumpkins that have been carved out to float. There are also a variety of costumes, cute decorations, and the competition that gets everybody excited.
This year a man by the name of Gary Kristensen dressed up as Buddy from the movie “Elf” and won first place in the race. He celebrated by raising his paddle as he crossed the finish line inside of a 936-pound pumpkin. Gary has been competing in the regatta since 2013 and says, “The even has become a passion”. Earlier this year he set a Guiness world record for the longest journey by pumpkin boat, paddling 58 miles in the Columbia river in a giant pumpkin.
Growing such an abnormally large pumpkin takes a lot of work. Gowers use seeds and rich soil to produce these pumpkins that can weigh up to 1,000 pounds and more. Before races begin workers have to operate forklifts to lift the pumpkins from fields to the water. Participants then carve out the insides removing seeds and pulp that help the pumpkin be lighter and faster. Some pumpkins even reach up to 1,300 pounds!
Participants dress in unique costumes which adds to the festivity of the event. This year some costumes included Elvis, Luigi from Nintendo, and a hot dog. Others like a woman names Nina Richards dressed as Shrek with dark green face paint.
The regatta is organized by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers, a group that is dedicated to growing large vegetables for fun. Gary sums up the event by saying, “It has got everything, spectacle, fun costumes, loud cheering, and massive sinking pumpkins.”
