Paddling a Pumpkin

Sunday, October 19, 2025 during the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
Lake of the Commons
8325 SW Nyberg Street, Tualatin, Oregon
Races at 12PM and 2PM.
Emcee - Mike Barrett
Safety boaters provided by Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe

HOW CAN I PADDLE A GIANT PUMPKIN?

1. Convince your company to become a Sasquash Level sponsor and then volunteer to be the paddler! Leave a copy of the sponsor info (below) on your boss's desk then casually walk around the office in a costume while carrying a kayak paddle. Saying things like "arghhhh" and "ahoy matey" may help your cause. SPONSOR THE PUMPKIN REGATTA!
2. Sign up for the Pumpkin Paddling Quest that will be open August 1 - September 5. APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED!
3. Grow your own giant pumpkin and become a member of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers. You can find tips on growing giant pumpkins here. If you are growing a giant pumpkin and would like to paddle it in the Regatta please contact Jim Sherwood at the the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers for information about how to become a member and instructions on getting your pumpkin into the water.

2025 Paddlers selected from the Paddling Quest

• Boleman, Hanna — Seattle, WA
• Brown, Patti — Tualatin, OR
• Day, Savannah — Portland, OR
• Fedorczak, Flynn — Portland, OR
• Gogol, Sabrina — Portland, OR
• Howard, Trent — Portland, OR
• Jeong, Maizy — Portland, OR
• Jones, Lacey — Tualatin, OR
• Kamal, Genie — Tualatin, OR
• Kerins, Kristin — Sutton, MA
• Lishewski, Isabelle — Portland, OR
• Luce, Lynda — King City, OR
• Lye, Alexia — Vancouver, WA
• Padmini, Surabhila Mohanan — Sunnyvale, CA
• Reger, Kim — Beaverton, OR
• Rice, Josh — Eureka, CA
• Richards, Nina — Vancouver, WA
• Slane, Kelly — Schuylkill Haven, PA
• Suman, Julia — Lake Oswego, OR
• Topper, Kailyn — Sacramento, CA

If paddlers are not available, additional paddlers will be selected from the Paddling Quest.

IF YOU WERE CHOSEN TO PADDLE A PUMPKIN

**Paddlers must be at least 18 years old.
**One person per pumpkin

Helpful information for paddlers:

• Life jacket, paddle, and pumpkin will be provided.
• Costumes are required. Please make sure that your costume is appropriate for a family event. Be aware that you will get wet and covered in pumpkin slime so plan accordingly. Wear a costume you can swim in, if necessary. 
• NEW for 2025! - No inflatable costumes. No costumes that cover the head and face completely. Costumes with a separate mask are fine. If you are unsure if your costume is allowed please send the organizer a photo for confirmation.
• Wear shoes you can step into the water in.
• Bring a dry set of clothes and shoes for after the race.
• Bring a towel or something to kneel on inside the pumpkin. Your legs will thank you later. :)
• There is a chance that a pumpkin will capsize. Life jackets are provided and required but paddlers should have strong swimming skills.
•  Arrange for a friend to hold your valuables while you are in the pumpkin. The City of Tualatin is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Give yourself extra time to arrive and park.
• Only paddlers are allowed in the pumpkin launch area. Your cheering squad, photographers must find a place along the lake to watch and take photos.