The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta: Keeping Portland Weird, Wacky and Wonderful Since 2004
Tualatin’s West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is in its 11th year, making it one of the weirdest longstanding traditions amongst Portland’s extensive list of odd annual activities. The Regatta, which most notably features costumed participants racing across a lake in or on a giant pumpkin, is set for this Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Tualatin Lake of the Commons.
According to the City of Tualatin’s website, Oregon’s annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta draws in visitors from across the state and throughout the country, even extending into the far reaches of Canada. Though the Regatta’s main race is, of course, an electrifying event of epic pumpkin proportions, the day’s festivities extend far beyond just this one comical contest. Festivalgoers can expect a full day of fall- and family-friendly events—and with free admission, the West Coast Regatta promises to be worth your time.
[quote align=’right’]Portland has its fair share of peculiar pastimes and quirky quests, but the annual Pumpkin Regatta stands out as one of the city’s zaniest traditions. Rain or shine, be sure not to miss the funny and freakish festivities at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Regatta Run this Saturday in Tualatin.[/quote]Race participants will begin arriving to the lake area around 8 a.m. with their festooned floats in tow. Past years have seen such sights as Viking-clad participants paddling pumpkin ships disguised as dragon boats, sleek superheroes skimming across the lake in their pumpkinmobiles, capes whistling in the wind, and feather-encrusted entrants furiously rowing pumpkins robed as rubber ducks. Registration to participate in 2014’s race is closed, but everyone is encouraged to watch the show. The official start time is set 2 p.m., and there will be plenty to see and do before then.
In conjunction with the Pumpkin Regatta, the sixth annual Regatta Run taking place on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Tualatin Community Park. This noncompetitive 5K race is held in honor of 2005 Tualatin High School graduate and Marine Cpl. Matthew Lembke, who lost his life serving in Afghanistan in 2009. Registration fees ($32/person) and donations benefit the Cpl. Matthew Lembke Memorial Scholarship Fund, which has given more than $70,000 in college scholarships to Tualatin High School seniors in the past five years. Anyone is welcome to participate in this meaningful community event. You can register online or at the run beginning at 7:30 a.m.
When the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta kicks off at 10 a.m., attendees can look forward to an exciting and entertaining day. Free festival activities include pumpkin golf and pumpkin bowling, where participants will play these popular games using pumpkins in place of everyday equipment. There will also be a bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting and balloon twisting free of charge. Low-cost activities include a trip through an inflatable obstacle course ($2), a ride on the kids’ train ($2) and pumpkin carving and decorating (pumpkins available for $3). All proceeds go to the Tualatin Youth Advisory Council.
Along with these activities, the Regatta promises plenty of entertainment. The giant pumpkin Terminator Weight Off kicks off the morning’s events at 10, followed by the free-to-enter Village Inn Pie Eating Contest at 11:30 and a costume contest at 12:15. Complimentary magic shows, clown performances, animal viewings and variety shows will take place throughout the day from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
In the early afternoon, the festival’s focus turns to the main event: the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. Race rallying begins at 1:30 p.m. with a welcome from Tualatin Mayor Lou Ogden and a performance from the Tualatin High School marching band. Race participants will be on their marks, set and ready to row by 2 p.m., when the crazy and comedic competition begins. After the Regatta racers make the tumultuous but triumphant trip across the lake and back, winners will be crowned and the festival will come to a close at 4 p.m.
Portland has its fair share of peculiar pastimes and quirky quests, but the annual Pumpkin Regatta stands out as one of the city’s zaniest traditions. Rain or shine, be sure not to miss the funny and freakish festivities at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta and Regatta Run this Saturday in Tualatin.
