The rowers started the race by propelling their giant pumpkins forward an inch or two at a time. But when Gary Kristensen — dressed as Buddy from the movie “Elf” — picked up speed, he was confident he could pull away for a medal at this year’s West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta.

The scene: People wearing costumes racing around an Oregon lake in pumpkins that weigh between 600 and 1,600 pounds. Some people fall out of their pumpkins. The winners — like Kristensen — celebrate by raising their oars into the air as large crowds cheer. Every year, growers and competitors haul giant pumpkins to Tualatin, Oregon for the annual West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. (Video: The Washington Post)

Giant pumpkin weigh-offs — where people win prizes for growing enormous pumpkins — have been around for deca

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