Forget pumpkin spice– the real October fans eschew such commercial trends and head straight to the source (the pumpkin patch, naturally), in search of the largest pumpkins on the planet for, what else: pumpkin boat racing!
If you hurry (that is, finish that coffee, take a quick shower and find your car keys), you might be able to make it in time for the Damariscotta, Maine Pumpkinfesr Regatta. It’s the marquee event of the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, which features the following lineup:
In case you think this is just a silly event (well, it is, but it’s not just silly– it requires skill and coordination), here’s a little reporting about the difficulty and expertise needed:
“Keeping the boats straight up,” said Weiss. “It’s like trying to get into and, if you can imagine, trying to paddle a basketball. They don’t stay up very well.”
Weiss said frogmen are in the water to assist the numerous competitors that fall in. The giant pumpkins in the regatta are harvested by commercial growers.
A lot goes into the preparation for the boats. This guy, who must be basing his design on washing machines, shows how one sizes the cockpit.
I’m not sure what the actual rules are regarding assistive technology for regatta entrants. I mean, can you pilot an e-pumpkin boat, or is it paddles only? Maybe there’s a gnome-exemption rule– dress like a gnome, you can use whatever aids you want. We should ask this guy:
I wish I could say I was going today. But, hey, there’s always next year to look forward to.
Dear readers, how are you commemorating pumpkin season? Any pumpkin runs planned? Spooky kayaking? I’d love to hear from you.
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