Yes, Pumpkins Float — in Patches and Like Boats!

California Travel Tips

Yes, Pumpkins Float — in Patches and Like Boats!

Published on: October 02, 2019

During the first weekend in October you’ll see an amazing sight –people floating ‘down the lazy river’ racing pumpkin boats. This is no joke! Humongous pumpkins are transformed into tub-like vessels for an extraordinary race at the Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival. For the 13th year in 2019, giant 600- to 1,000-pound pumpkin shells are carved into boats and paddled across the lake in the Pumpkin Regatta. Surprisingly seaworthy (but difficult to steer,) guests at this free admission festival cheer on the brave paddlers in their pumpkins starting at noon on Sunday.

Other fun activities at the annual event include the Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, Pumpkin Village, Pumpkin Gift Shop and Pumpkin Food Court.

Pumpkins are the craze in California in a variety of places, though you’ll mainly see floating specimens in swimming pools. Santa Clarita hosts an Underwater Pumpkin Carving event with cameras broadcasting certified SCUBA dive teams who carve and create underwater masterpieces in the depths of the Aquatics diving pool.

Never heard of the Floating Pumpkin Patch? It’s cool! Check it out…