A race on a lake in giant pumpkins
On Saturday, October 20, something funny happened in Tualatin. In fact, it has happened every year for 14 years. It is the annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.
A “regatta” is a series of boat races. In this regatta, however, the boats are made out of giant pumpkins, a type of gourd. People start by cleaning out the inside of the hollow pumpkin. Then they put it in the water and get inside. They use the giant pumpkins like canoes or kayaks. They use paddles to move in the water.
However, the giant pumpkins are heavy and awkward. So the race is slow. “An 1,800-pound canoe doesn’t move very fast,” says Brett Cooper, the president of the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers Association. Still, it is a lot of fun.
Thousands of people go to Lake of the Commons in Tualatin to watch the races. There are also contests for heaviest pumpkin, a pumpkin pie eating contest, a costume contest, pumpkin golf and bowling, and other free activities.
-This story was first published in ESOL News Oregon October 20, 2018.
Check
Discuss
- Pumpkins are a big part of American culture because of Halloween. Were you surprised by this when you first came to the United States? Why or why not? Is there a fruit or vegetable that has a similar importance in your country or culture? Explain to your group and search for pictures online to help them understand.
- You may know about pumpkins from Halloween, but have you ever seen these huge pumpkins from the article? Did you know that pumpkins could grow this big? Do some online research to learn more about pumpkins. Can you find some other common fruits or vegetables that can grow to be huge?
- Would you feel safe to use a pumpkin boat? Can you anticipate any problems you might encounter?
- The article says the pumpkin boats are heavy and awkward. Look up the word “awkward” in an online English-English dictionary like Longman. What does it mean? How can an object be awkward? Give some other examples besides a boat made from a pumpkin. How can a person be awkward? Give some examples of a time you felt awkward. If you’re having trouble thinking of examples, think about how it feels when you want to express yourself in English but can’t think of the right word. You probably have lots of stories!
Write
- The article lists some advantages and disadvantages of pumpkin boats. Can you add to the list and think of a few more? What is your overall conclusion? Do pumpkins make good boats?
- Because the pumpkins are heavy and awkward, the race is slow. Do you think a slow race is a worthwhile activity? Why or why not?
- In the past, people probably used a lot more natural materials in their daily lives because manufacturing was not as readily available. Think about other ways that nature was used in the past that now have been replaced by items made in factories, such as plastic. Discuss the pros and cons of natural vs. manmade materials.
- Imagine that pumpkin boat was your primary method of transportation. Describe a typical day, starting with creating your pumpkin boat. What are the steps? Where could you go in your pumpkin boat? Where could you not go? How would you need to adjust your life to your new pumpkin boat lifestyle?
Sources
Notarianni, John. “West Coast Pumpkin Regatta Features Boats Carved Out Of Giant Gourds.” Oregon Public Broadcasting, OPB, 20 Oct. 2018, www.opb.org/news/article/west-coast-pumpkin-regatta-2018/.
“On the Go with Joe at West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.” KPTV.com, 17 Oct. 2018, www.kptv.com/good_day_oregon/on_the_go_with_joe/on-the-go-with-joe-at-west-coast-giant-pumpkin/article_75ae0cea-d219-11e8-9c85-d3f4a0c8e791.html.
“West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.” City of Tualatin, Oregon, 2018, www.tualatinoregon.gov/pumpkinregatta.
Image by Portland Corps via Flickr
