Hundreds of brave souls in Tualatin, Oregon have braved the dismally cold weather to plunge into the Lake of Commons inside a ... giant pumpkin!
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The annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta has been taking place in the small town near Portland since 2004. It pays homage to another similar event in Nova Scotia, which has been held on Lake Pesaquid every year since 1999.
What stands Tualatin's event apart from its Canadian counterpart, however, is its adjoining festival of pumpkins held in conjunction with the annual novelty race.
As a prelude to the giant pumpkin paddle race every October, the people of Tualatin host a variety of events, including the giant pumpkin weigh-in, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, and a pumpkin carving contest.
But the big draw card, is of course, the 21km race through the Lake of Commons.
The giant gourds are supplied each year by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers association, and contestants are tasked with hollowing out their pumpkin boat using hand tools.
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To win the race, rowers must paddle their pumpkins around a floating container, collecting a ball as they go.
All is fair in love, war, and pumpkin rowing, of course, so there are very few rules to abide by. Pumpkins cannot be motorised, and rowers must pass the finish line, either in or with their pumpkins in tow.
Contestants have been known to not only splash but up-end each other in attempt to off-set their opponents and take the glory.
Maintain your grip, good gourd races!