The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest and Regatta wraps up today on the Damariscotta River.
The four day gathering features giant carved and decorated pumpkins lining the city’s Main Street along with pumpkin food, a parade and today’s
a pumpkin regatta.
Executive Director Jed Weiss says it’s a boat race where the boats are giant hollowed-out pumpkins, which are hard to keep afloat.
“Keeping the boats straight up,” said Weiss. “It’s like trying to get into and, if you can imagine, trying to paddle a basketball. They don’t stay up very well.”
Weiss said frogmen are in the water to assist the numerous competitors that fall in. The giant pumpkins in the regatta are harvested by commercial growers.
Travel and Leisure magazine named the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta the Best Fall Festival in Maine.
CBS 13 News reports the event has been described as the extreme sport of gardening.
