Windsor Pumpkin Regatta facts for kids

The exciting Windsor Pumpkin Regatta

The Windsor Pumpkin Regatta is a fun water race that happens every October. It takes place on Lake Pesaquid in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Racers paddle giant, colorful pumpkins across a half-mile (800 meter) course. These huge pumpkins are the only things keeping them afloat!

The race started in 1999. It was created by Danny Dill. His father, Howard Dill, was famous for growing the huge Atlantic Giant pumpkins.

A racer named Leo Swinimer from New Ross, Nova Scotia has won many times. He won six of the first ten races! He even won one when he was 73 years old. Even though one person won a lot, the race is still very popular. In 2008, about 10,000 people watched, and 60 people entered the race.

Race Categories

There are three main types of races:

• Motor class: Pumpkins are powered by small motors.
• Experimental class: People try new and different ways to move their pumpkins.
• Paddling class: This is the most popular class. People use paddles to move their pumpkins across the water.

Not all classes have racers every year, but the paddling class always has many participants.

Famous Participants

The race became even more famous in 2005. That year, Martha Stewart said she wanted to join the race. Her special pastel-colored pumpkin was in the race. However, Ms. Stewart could not race herself. She had trouble getting permission to travel to Canada. When she finally got permission, bad weather stopped her from reaching Nova Scotia in time.

Other well-known people have also raced. Scott Brison, a local member of parliament, has raced in the event several times.

How the Race Inspired Others

Windsor was not the very first place to use a giant pumpkin as a boat. Wayne Hackney from Winchester, New Hampshire paddled a pumpkin he grew in 1996. However, the Windsor Regatta has inspired many other pumpkin races. For example, the University of Wisconsin–Madison has held a pumpkin race since 2005. Another race takes place on Lake Champlain in Colchester, Vermont.

Past Winners and Times

A giant pumpkin ready for the race in 2008.

Here are some of the winners and their times for the human-powered paddling competition.