Paddling a Pumpkin

chicken girl

Sunday, October 20 during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Lake of the Commons
8325 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin, Oregon
Races at 12PM and 2PM.
Emcee - Mike Barrett
Safety boaters provided by Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe

For information about how to paddle a pumpkin in the 2024 Pumpkin Regatta follow our Facebook page or check back here. We will make an announcement in July regarding how paddlers will be chosen. 

 

2023 Race Winners

RACE 1 - Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers

  • First Place - Gary Kristensen (Mrs. Doubtfire)
  • Second Place - Jon Sestak (Knight)
  • Third Place - John R Frankfurt (Penguin)
  • Good Sport - Dai Hashimoto (Samuri)
  • Best Costume - Olivia Bucks (Wicked Witch of the West)
  • Best Pumpkin Decoration - Karin McTeague (Scarecrow)

RACE 2 - Sponsors, VIP Paddlers, Lottery Winners

  • First Place - Philippine de Fressanges (French Queen)
  • Second Place - Jeremy Vecht (Jason)
  • Third Place - Jonah Fisher (Stickmen's Brewery Keg)
  • Good Sport - Juan Arredondo (Scary Clown)
  • Best Costume - Amy Jacobson (Frieda Flintstone)

RACE 3 - Tualatin PD, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Lottery Winners

  • First Place - Christian Jackson (Tualatin PD, Sailor)
  • Second Place - CJ Hilgaertner (Tualatin PD, Captain)
  • Third Place - Kevin Vanoudenhaegen (Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue)
  • Good Sport - Jackelyn Houston (Bob Ross)
  • Best Costume - Jenna Haagen (Wizard of Oz)

RACE 4 - Lottery Winners

  • First Place - Matt Coleman (Byrom Bobcat)
  • Second Place - Scott Trepanier (Viking)
  • Third Place - Bree Irvin (Ms Frizzle)
  • Good Sport - Kate Hoch (Oscar the Grouch)
  • Best Costume - Morgan Levy (House Plant)

RACE 5 - Lottery Winners

  • First Place - Jeff Whitright - (Wolf)
  • Second Place - Justin Lobban (Raccoon)
  • Third Place - Jessica Crawford (Hot Dog Princess)
  • Good Sport - Indira Ismailova (Fox)
  • Best Costume - Theresa Okamura (Monarch Butterfly)

HOW CAN I PADDLE A GIANT PUMPKIN?

  1. Convince your company to become a Sasquash Level sponsor and then volunteer to be the paddler! Leave a copy of the sponsor info (below) on your boss's desk then casually walk around the office in a costume while carrying a kayak paddle. Saying things like "arghhhh" and "ahoy matey" may help your cause.
  2. Sign up for the Pumpkin Paddling Quest that will be open August 1 - September 5. People will be selected and placed on the list of potential paddlers. All others will be placed on a list of alternates. What are your odds of being chosen? In 2023 158 people signed up for the lottery and 25 were chosen..
  3. Grow your own giant pumpkin and become a member of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers. You can find tips on growing giant pumpkins here. If you are growing a giant pumpkin and would like to paddle it in the Regatta please contact Jim Sherwood at the the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers for information about how to become a member and instructions on getting your pumpkin into the water.

2023 PUMPKIN QUEST WINNERS

  • Allison Garcia - Seattle, WA
  • Amy Gerdes - Auburn, WA
  • Amy Jacobson - Tualatin, OR
  • Ashley Huddleston - Portland, OR
  • Brittany Berks - Portland, OR
  • Cameron Witham - Portland, OR
  • Eowyn Bondurant - Eugene, OR
  • Heather Mcgraw - Sherwood, OR
  • Ian Goetschius - Houston, TX
  • Iris Wong - Portland, OR
  • Jackelyn Houston - Tualatin, OR
  • Jenna Haagen - Vancouver, WA
  • Jeremy Adams - Vancouver, WA
  • Jessica Crawford - Portland, OR
  • Justin Lobban - Portland, OR
  • Matt Coleman - Tigard, OR
  • Melissa Bent - La Center, WA
  • Morgan Levy - Portland, OR
  • Scott Trepanier - Portland, OR
  • Sonja Cummings - Tualatin, OR
  • Suzanne Tyler - Tualatin, OR
  • Sydney Balis - Lutz, FL
  • Tom Powers - Eugene, OR
  • Trevor Halliday - Maple Ridge, BC

 

IF YOU ARE CHOSEN TO PADDLE A PUMPKIN

**Paddlers must be at least 18 years old.
**One person per pumpkin

Helpful information for paddlers:

  • Life jacket, paddle, and pumpkin will be provided.
  • Costumes are required. Please make sure that your costume is appropriate for a family event. Be aware that you will get wet and covered in pumpkin slime so plan accordingly. Wear a costume you can swim in, if necessary. No inflatable costumes.
  • Wear shoes you can step into the water in.
  • Bring a dry set of clothes and shoes for after the race.
  • Bring a towel or something to kneel on inside the pumpkin. Your legs will thank you later. :)
  • There is a chance that a pumpkin will capsize. Life jackets are provided and required but paddlers should have strong swimming skills.
  •  Arrange for a friend to hold your valuables while you are in the pumpkin. The City of Tualatin is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Only paddlers are allowed in the pumpkin launch area. Tell your cheering squad they will need to find a place along the lake to watch and take photos.