West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
When jack-o'-lanterns just aren't festive enough, take in this annual contest.
John Patrick Pullen
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, you realize you’ve been missing the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Since 2004, this cherished local event returns to the Tualatin Commons every October with a series of races. The races are exactly what they sound like: costumed competitors piloting a gaggle of gigantic gourds through a watercourse on Tualatin Commons Lake. The regatta kicks off the day before the races with a pumpkin weigh-off at the Pumpkins and Pints event at Stickmen Brewing. The following day consists of a full day of pumpkin paddlers plying the shallow lake in giant pumpkin boats.
Questions About Giant Pumpkins
What is the world’s biggest pumpkin?
Can you really use a pumpkin as a boat?
How long does it take to grow a giant pumpkin?
On dry land, a kid’s costume contest, face painting, pumpkin decorating, games set up around the lake, pumpkin bowling and golf will keep the laughs coming at this free, family-friendly event. Located just 13 miles (21 km) 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 definitely be those massive pumpkins.