On Oct. 14 at 2 p.m., the waterfront of Windsor and Falmouth, Nova Scotia, will come alive with giant hollowed pumpkins and their pilots competing in the 19th annual Pumpkin Regatta.
Participants will paddle across Lake Pesaquid in what the event calls PVCs — personal vegetable crafts — navigating a 564-yard course that tests balance and skill. These enormous, carved pumpkins often weigh more than 600 pounds, are unevenly shaped, and tend to be difficult to steer, which makes capsizing a common and entertaining risk.
The regatta is a full-day celebration with activities for all ages. The program opens with the Pumpkin Seed Long Distance Challenge, featuring sprint races in canoes and kayaks for local paddlers. A Dragon Boat Paddle formally kicks off the event on the water, and there are additional contests in Motorized and Experimental classes as well as a Paddling class.
Along the Windsor waterfront, visitors will find live music and a variety of vendors. Miniature train rides operate at Trecothic Creek and Windsor Railway, adding family-friendly fun throughout the day. Musical performances are scheduled at the Sam Slick Coach House on Route 12, and winners from the regatta are honored with an awards presentation at 3:30 p.m.
Registrations for pumpkin entries remain open until noon on Oct. 13 for anyone who wants to compete. The Pumpkin Regatta also supports a good cause, with proceeds benefiting The Children’s Wish Foundation.