On the Road With the Head Farmhand – Post #3

After much anticipation, the Giant Pumpkin Regatta is finally here.

I joined the Farmers’ Almanac TV film crew for an early breakfast at the Clockmaker Inn. We then headed off to the Dill “Punkin” patch to catch the last bit of preparation for the giant pumpkins (and when I say giant, I mean pumpkins in the range of 800 pounds or more).

The pumpkins were all loaded up and then transported for a local parade, celebrating the race. There were floats, bands and over forty decorated giant pumpkins. The crowd for this small town (of Windsor, Nova Scotia) was unbelievable. Everyone was so excited.

The launching of the pumpkins (into the lake) was amazing and done very quickly. Many folks who were trying out their pumpkins for the first time, took a spill in the water. After a while of warmups, (or a better way to put it, a little breathing time, for those who went for a swim), the first heat started with the motorized ( YES MOTORS ) heat. Only two of the four pumpkins made it across, although the crowd was ecstatic.

Next came the big event: Forty paddlers make it across the lake in their makeshift boats, giant pumkins. We watched the heated competition between Peter Geiger in the Farmers’ Almanac pumpkin and Shellie of the Weather Network of Canada in her pumpkin. Both were great sports, and first-timers to boot.

They have a challenge for next year and I think I am going to throw my name in the hat – it looks like too much fun to pass up.

I have met a lot of very nice folks at the Giant Pumpkin Regatta in Windsor, NS – and it proves to me (again) that this world is full of great people who can have fun making lemons out of lemonade, or more precisely, turning giant pumpkins into floating fruits.

These are the stories that we at Farmers’ Almanac TV are excited to bring to television.

Unfortunately this great weekend has come to an end but I would like to thank everyone up here for the great time.

I strongly urge folks to put this event on their calendar for next year. It’s a great family event. Until then, you can see video about the Regatta on our television show, Farmers’ Almanac TV. This segment will appear sometime after January. Just check our map to find out when our show is playing on a public television station near you.

By Bill Chisholm, CEO/Chairman of Farmers’ Almanac TV and head Farmhand.

Technorati tags: Giant Pumpkin Regatta, Big Pumpkins Howard Dill