Yes, it's time. Off to the pumpkin patch in search of a worthy orange orb to hollow, carve and decorate. Ever since Martha Stewart demonstrated all a girl can do to a pumpkin with a drill it's been pure bliss when October 31st draws near. The two pictured above were part of last years collection. They sat on the porch rail in Maine quite happily, and were "lit" (with candles, not booze) every evening awaiting All Hallows' Eve.I spend the tail end of fall in Maine, and often bring home several pumpkins to carve. Out East, pumpkins are taken rather seriously as evidenced by our local pumpkin boat races. The annual Damariscotta Pumpkin Regatta is the fastest pumpkin-boat racing in Maine, maybe even The United States. Fourteen pumpkins, weighing between four and seven-hundred pounds are converted into "boats" and raced on the Damariscotta River. This was started years ago when several local men began musing about what to do with a 700-pound pumpkin they had grown to show at the county fair. They decided to hollow it out, attach a motor and cruise around the cove near downtown Damariscotta. Thus began the Pumpkin Regatta races...quite a sight to behold, let me tell you.
The pumpkin crop is rumored to be a bit scarce this year due to all the rain, so I'm prepared to devote a fair amount of time in the quest of the perfect specimens. Mine won't be motoring down any rivers, but they will reach their true calling in style and have their time to shine. Happy Halloween!
