
Ashleigh Smith

On Saturday, Oct 8th, the 11th annual Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta was held in Daybreak, Utah. We saw thousands of people gather to cheer on friends, family, and community members as pumpkins provided by local growers raced across the lake for the chance to be recorded in Regatta history. Each year True Leaf Market and Live Daybreak sponsor this event to bring our community together and celebrate the harvest of these giant pumpkins.
Every year I am impressed with the style and intricate costumes worn by our participants. This year featured pirates, Luigi, Mario, Toad, Jack and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Billy from “Stranger Things,” Beetlejuice, and more! As a family event, you are welcome to attend with your little ones in costume or not. We have activities for the whole family with games, a petting zoo, races, etc. Come try a pumpkin on for size! If you are lucky, you may even walk away with some giant pumpkin seeds of your own.

Kid looking into Giant Pumpkin

Attendees With True Leaf Market Seed Packets

Petting Zoo

Petting Zoo

Tic-Tac-Toe

Mario and Luigi Pumpking Water
Before we can race these squashes around the pond, we have to do a bit of prep work to get them paddle-worthy. The essential tools to pull off such a feat include a saw, giant spoon, bucket, portable water pump, and some good waders.
Preparing A Giant Pumpkin Boat
- Step 1: Unload the pumpkin into the water. We find a forklift works well.
- Step 2: Observe how the pumpkin naturally likes to float.
- Step 3: Cut a hole large enough that you could fit two legs into the pumpkin. It is better to cut too little rather than too much at this step. Begin removing the guts of the pumpkin. Be sure to save your seeds, as they can be valuable.
- Step 4: Now see how a person fits. You may need to expand your initial hole. We have found it is best to sit either cross-legged or kneel in the pumpkin. Because large pumpkins can sometimes be quite flat, you want to be careful not to cut too close to the edges of the pumpkin. If you do, you may find your boat filling with water.
- Step 5: Grab a paddle and start racing!

Pumpkin Prep

2022 Pumpkin Regatta Trophies

Hailey and Parker Launching T-Shirts

True Leaf Market Crew
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
3 comments
HK
This looks like it was so much fun!!
Katie Hutton
This event looks like so much fun & a lot of laughs!! Thanks for sharing this experience with us! Fall festivals are fun, but this one takes it over the top!
Leslie Holliday
I think it’s absolutely amazing how big those pumpkins can grow to be. If you can use your pumpkin as a boat well then that’s just super impressive to me.
Further Reading
2023 Giving Tuesday Recap
Every year, it seems that the message of Giving Tuesday is reaching more and more people. What a beautiful thing it is to be able to serve the people both within your community and others around the world. If Giving Tuesday is new to you, welcome. This...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-12-062 min read0The Types and Benefits of Homemade Tea
Written By Lara Wadsworth Tea of some kind has been drunk somewhere in the world for at least 5,000 years. This simple yet comforting drink is ingrained in human culture. However, there are so many different kinds of tea and ways to make it that it can...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-12-056 min read0Christmas Wheatgrass Tradition
Published December 5, 2022 There are many traditions associated with Christmas. Hanging stockings, singing carols, giving gifts, etc. Did you know it is also a traditional custom to grow wheatgrass for your Christmas table? In Croatia, you will commonl...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-12-045 min read6Discovering the Festival of Lights: Hanukkah's History and Traditions
Written By Chelsea Hafer Often referred to as the Festival of Lights, hanukkah is a radiant celebration that illuminates the winter season with hope, unity, and tradition. Can you feel the warm glow of candlelight, the sizzle of potato latkes, and the ...
Ashleigh Smith
2023-11-295 min read0