Giant pumpkin paddlers battle the wind in Nova Scotia regatta
The Nova Scotia Giant Pumpkin Festival and Regatta draws crowds to Shelburne's waterfront every Thanksgiving weekend to watch as brave paddlers navigate their giant pumpkins through challenging waters, sharing moments of joy and camaraderie--regardless of the competition outcome.
There are some unique festivals and events in Canada, but the Nova Scotia Giant Pumpkin Festival and Regatta is one you have to see to believe. It draws large crowds to the historic waterfront every Thanksgiving weekend.
Giant pumpkins growers get to see how their gourds hold up in the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean.
Kristin Langille was in a 1,200-pound pumpkin, grown in Shelburne, N.S.
“It was amazing. I got to see the process of it growing. I got to see it being picked by the farmer, and then I got to ride in it, so it was special," said Langille.
But choppy conditions brought on by the wind was too much for Brandon Blades.
“I sank. I actually sank. They had to come get me," said Blades.
Giant pumpkin paddler in the regatta. (Nathan Coleman/The Weather Network)
Other paddlers were able to stay afloat until the finish line by bailing out their pumpkins.
“Waves were coming up over your hole, but you persevere, get a little bucket in there [and] bail yourself out if you need [to]," said Parker Neily.
Despite the challenging ride, everyone got out of the water with a smile on their face.
“It was beautiful. It’s always fun, no matter if you finish or not," said Blades.