Splashing Pumpkins

Photo by Kathe Worsley, via Flickr

Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you realize for the past eight years you’ve missed the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta (Oct. 20, 2012). Exactly what it sounds like, this annual series of races consists of paddlers piloting a gaggle of ginormous gourds through a water course on the Lake at Tualatin Commons. The event makes its ninth splash on Saturday, Oct. 20, kicking off with a giant pumpkin parade and weigh-off, followed by a full day of costumed contestants plying the shallow lake in 1,000-pound pumpkin boats.

On dry land, a costume contest, live music, face painting, pumpkin carving, pie eating contest and pumpkin golf will keep the laughs coming at this free, family-friendly event. Located just 13 miles (20 minutes by car) southwest of downtown Portland, Tualatin is a great starting point for an autumn adventure in the Willamette Valley, complete with foliage and farm stands — but the most eye-popping sight of the day will probably be those paddling pumpkins.