Windsor Pumpkin Regatta
In 1999, The Pumpkin Regatta, with an operating budget of $50, attracted about 2,000 skeptical spectators who turned out to watch five brave participants attempt to manoeuvre their hollowed-out giant pumpkins across Lake Pesaquid.
So novel was the idea of racing giant pumpkins that local merchants and local media were quick to get on-side. The 1st Annual Pumpkin Regatta attracted national attention, and Windsor – “The Little Town of Big Firsts” claimed another first: Giant Pumpkin Racing!
Days’ Events
1. Annual Mad Gourd Scavenger Hunt for children under 13 years of age is held at 10:30 am. Imagine 26 acres scattered with hundreds of gourds. Prizes go to the lucky finder of the Golden Gourd. The event takes place at Haliburton House Museum Grounds on Clifton Avenue. Cost of this event is $3 per child 13 years and under. Call 902-798-6951 to register.
2. Tregothic Creek and Windsor Railway From 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m families can enjoy a ride on a miniature train at the Tregothic Creek and Windsor Railway on Centennial Drive in Windsor. This event is free – donations are welcome.
3. The Parade of Paddlers : At noon, join the paddlers and their PVC’s (personal vegetable crafts) as they help raise awareness for the Children’s Wish Foundation, the official charity of the Windsor~West Hants Pumpkin Festival Committee. Last year, Martha Stewart was supposed to join in the festivities but a sceduling problem prevented this. The parade route usually goes from Sobeys to O’Brien Street, down Gerrish Street, along Water Street to Falmouth.
4. The race: begins at 2 p.m. from the Falmouth side of Lake Pesaquid.
For information about the Pumpkin Regatta (including maps, photographs of the various activities) contact Van Essa at 902-798-6679, or visit the event website:
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