Cinderella may have had a pumpkin that turned into a carriage, but growers in Utah may have something even more magical (and real) – pumpkins that double as canoes!

For the 11th year since its inception, LiveDAYBREAK will host the Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta on Oct. 8 in front of an enthusiastic crowd of fall fun lovers at Oquirrh Lake. You might ask yourself, ‘What is a Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta?’ Well, simply, it’s a race. On the water. Using pumpkins that can weigh up to thousands of pounds, carved out and fashioned into boats.

“Residents in Daybreak love Halloween, and events like the ones we have planned this month make it easy to see why,” says LiveDAYBREAK director Dan Rodgerson. “Fall is the favorite time of year for a lot of people, and we try to make it a month-long celebration in October.”

It’s a real hoot and a terrific community event. Racers/pumpkin growers from around the state come out to paddle their giant squashes around the lake in their Halloween best as fans, and community members come out for a good time. Last year, we were joined by several special guests, including the Utah Jazz’s mascot, Bear, and you’ll have to come to see this year’s friends. 

Check out the recap video below!

While the Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta is probably the marquee event in October for many, the entire month is packed with fun activities for all ages. (Pumpkin Regatta Information Page)

Raise the Woof Canine Carnival – Oct. 15
The following week, on Oct. 15, the LiveDAYBREAK activities calendar is going to the dogs, literally. At the Raise the Woof Canine Carnival, the community’s furry friends will be dressed in their Halloween costumes for an exceptional party. Dogs will get to trick or treat and vie for the top prize in a costume contest with several categories. We will also have Puppucino’s for your dogs and a hot dog food truck to grab lunch.  Proceeds from the carnival will be matched by LiveDAYBREAK and donated to the Purple Paw Program of Utah. (Purchase your Dogs ticket on the Raise the Woof Canine Carnival Page)

Trick or Treat Street – Oct. 22
The week after the dogs have their spotlight, it’ll be the little humans’ turn. Trick or Treat Street will be a memorably spooky evening, with little Minions, gremlins, devils, and princesses, enjoying a trip around SoDa Row. The Street will come alive with a Pumpkin Patch, Halloween-themed performances, a magician, and plenty of good old-fashioned Trick-or-Treating. There will be two-time slots to sign up for this fun-filled event. (Register for Trick or Treat Street)

Pumpkin Walk – Oct. 28
At the end of the month, just a few days before All Hallow’s Eve, many of the pumpkins who didn’t make a trip around the lake will be featured in a Pumpkin Walk around the Upper Daybreak Walking Trail near the HUB. Prizes will be given out to carvers in different age groups, including a “Most Creative” overall award. If you love pumpkins, and can’t get enough of them, even after the Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta, you’ll love this month-ending event! (Learn more about how you can get a $10 gift card at the Pumpkin Walk.)

While many think of Halloween as the biggest day of the month, all of the fantastic LiveDAYBREAK events in October are sure to just as fun and memorable. Spooky season is coming soon, you won’t want to miss out!