The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Perhaps in his quest to find the Great Pumpkin, Linus should have hung out in Tualatin, Oregon during the 6th Annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta on Halloween this year. If "the" Great Pumpkin wasn't there, he surely would have found plenty of monstrous gourdes that would renew his faith that the Great Pumpkin did exist.
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta held on the Lake at the Commons in Tualatin, Oregon has become one of my favorite events of the year to cover. The sight of adults sitting inside a pumpkin and paddling around the lake is a hoot. The good folks at the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers once again donated the giant pumpkins which ranged between 600 and 1,200 pounds. Four races were held during the festival with Brett Savage of McMinnville, Oregon defending his title by winning the prestigious growers' race for the second consecutive year in the first race of a day of pumpkin paddling.
Appearing to be an angle 'sent from above,' giant pumpkin grower Brett Hester carves a giant pumpkin in preparation of the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta on the Lake at the Commons in Tualatin, Oregon. Despite what his appearance may leed one to think, Brett is actually just from Canby, Oregon.
Giant pumpkin grower Mel Gandee of Estacada, Oregon paddles his way towards the front of the pack in the early going of the growers' race during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.
Brett Savage, a giant pumpkin grower from McMinnville, Oregon, leads the pack during the growers's race of the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Brett never looked back as he paddled to his second consecutive victory after winning the growers' race last year.
Matt Hess of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers paddles his way across the Lake at the Commons in Tualatin, Oregon as he and other corps members particpate in a challenge race against members of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.
Nisha Georga of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers paddles her way across the Lake at the Commons in Tualatin, Oregon as she and other corps members participate in a challenge race against members of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue.
Costumes of all types added a festive atmosphere to the races. Here a participant in the third race of the day shows his patriotism as he paddles away.
Two racers battle for position during a game of capture the flags, pumpkin regatta style.
Looking to work her way up in the pack, a female racer all pinked-out paddles furiously to catch up.
Suited up as a joker, Carina Christensen of Tualatin, Oregon keeps a lead over Santa Claus during the third race of the day.
A contestant in the growers' race paddles her giant pumpkin in the spirit of the Vikings who are rumored to have crossed the Atlantic in the very same manner during the 18th century.
Fully expecting to go into the drink, a member of the Giant Vegetable Growers Association dons full scuba gear to participate in the growers' race.
Shame was not a consideration when it came to costume selections for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.