Giant Floating Pumpkin Races Draw Huge Crowds to Annual Oregon Regatta

TUALATIN, OREGON — Costumed racers, cheering crowds, and hundreds of floating pumpkins turned a quiet Oregon lake into a scene of fall-themed fun as the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta returned to Tualatin this weekend.

The annual event, which began in 2004, features competitors paddling across a human-made lake inside giant hollowed-out pumpkins, transforming them into makeshift boats. This year’s regatta drew hundreds of spectators, undeterred by light rain, who lined the banks to watch racers in elaborate costumes — from Shrek and Elvis to Buddy the Elf — take to the water.

Champion Crosses the Finish Line in a 936-Pound Pumpkin

Among the most memorable moments came when Gary Kristensen, dressed as Buddy from Will Ferrell’s classic holiday film Elf, crossed the finish line first in a 936-pound pumpkin, hoisting his paddle high in celebration.

“You’ve got an exciting activity that crowds love — you’ve got the costumes, cheering people, spectacle, pumpkins sinking — it has everything,” Kristensen said after his win.

Kristensen, who has competed since 2013, is no stranger to pumpkin-powered achievements. Earlier this year, he broke his own Guinness World Record for the longest journey by pumpkin boat, paddling 58 miles along the Columbia River.

From Backyard Gardens to Pumpkin Racing Glory

For many participants, the regatta is the culmination of months of dedication. Brad Bahns, competing in his fourth regatta dressed as a character from Squid Game, said his pumpkin took six months to grow and weighed 1,376 pounds, a personal record.

“It’s kind of an addiction at this point,” Bahns said with a laugh. “You spend months growing these giants, and then you get to celebrate by paddling them with your friends. It’s the perfect ending.”

Before the races began, forklifts and heavy machinery were used to carefully move the massive pumpkins into the water. Competitors then carved open their pumpkins, scooped out the seeds and pulp, and prepared their vessels for racing — filling an entire dumpster with discarded pumpkin insides.

A Tradition Rooted in Fun and Community

The Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Association, which organizes the event, describes its mission as promoting “the fun-filled, competitive hobby of growing obscenely large vegetables.” Their members were among the first racers to hit the water this year.

The regatta has become a beloved autumn tradition in Oregon, blending agriculture, creativity, and humor. The variety of costumes adds to the spectacle, with racers appearing as celebrity chefs, delivery drivers, and video game characters — even coordinating pumpkin colors to match their outfits.

Spectators young and old lined the lakeshore, snapping photos, cheering racers, and laughing as a few pumpkins took on water and began to sink mid-race. Children pointed and waved as participants in green paint and Shrek costumes paddled by, keeping the family-friendly spirit alive.

A Celebration of Ingenuity and Joy

When asked about his secret to growing massive pumpkins, Kristensen offered a simple answer: “Good seeds, good soil, good luck, and hard work.”

What began as a quirky community gathering has grown into one of Oregon’s most anticipated fall events, blending competition, creativity, and camaraderie into one unforgettable celebration.

Have you attended a local fall festival or unique community event this season? Share your experience in the comments and follow SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for more uplifting stories and national event coverage.