Have you seen any decked-out pumpkins racing down hills recently? It must be October, because the World Famous Pumpkin Race is just around the corner and everyone’s getting their pumpkins in top racing form.
The 22nd Annual World Famous Pumpkin Race Festival is scheduled this year for Sunday, October 28. The festival begins with the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk activities beginning at 8:00 am. Then, from noon to 6:30 pm at the Manhattan Beach Pier, it’s pumpkin racing time. The open qualifying rounds (single elimination) will take place from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and the semi-finals and finals will begin at 4:00 pm. Throughout the races you can enjoy family activities and Halloween-themed festivities.
New to the pumpkin races? All you need is a pumpkin, two axels, four wheels – and a little creative flair. You can make your pumpkin ahead of time (pumpkin race kits are available at Grow Produce for $20) or can buy the pumpkin racing kit on-site and get help installing the axels from a pit crew of experts at the RaceGenius booth. Then you just line up to race, wait for your heat, and let your pumpkin fly down the hill.
One last word of advice: Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to super-charge your pumpkin with a hidden turbo engine. The dreaded Mallet o’ Justice stands ready to bring Cheater Pumpkins down.
World Famous Pumpkin Race, Sunday, October 28 at the Manhattan Beach Pier, noon to 6:30 pm. See www.pumpkinrace.com for more information.
Photos via World Famous Pumpkin Race