By Peri Kinder | [email protected]

In one of the quirkiest events in Salt Lake County, pumpkins weighing hundreds and even thousands of pounds were taken to Oquirrh Lake on the North Shore in Daybreak (10491 Lake Ave.) for the 11th annual Ginormous Pumpkin Regatta.

Pumpkin racers, in full costume, carved out the huge gourds, sat down inside and raced across the lake. This year’s winner was Jett Johnson. The event included a harvest festival, a petting zoo, pumpkin games, bell ringers, a corn pit and, of course, the spectacular races on the lake.

“LiveDAYBREAK was established to bring a sense of community to Daybreak residents through events, programs, clubs and activities,” said Robert Stroud, LiveDAYBREAK communications manager.

Along with the pumpkin regatta, witches and wizards were invited to race stand-up paddleboards across the lake, and kids had their own races.

Attendees chatted with the LiveDAYBREAK master gardener and were able to take a seed from a 500+ pound pumpkin so they can try to grow their own ginormous pumpkin for next year’s event.

“Our mission is to create a culture where residents live more fulfilling lives through our guiding pillars of connecting, lifelong learning, embracing arts and diversity, healthy living and giving back,” Stroud said. “Every activity we present ties back to one or more of these pillars. We have a responsibility to foster these pillars in the community, and we work to offer a variety of activities for Daybreak residents.”