An unusual giant pumpkin regatta took place in the US (2 photos + 1 video)
The Tualatin Pumpkin Regatta, an annual pumpkin boat race, took place in Tualatin, Oregon, USA. Participants specially grew enormous pumpkins, cleaned them, and turned them into boats to sail down the river. 
The race has been held in Tualatin since 2004. The location was chosen because the local climate allows farmers to grow pumpkins of incredible size. These giant pumpkins are later used to make kayaks.
This year, the action began early in the morning. First, workers used forklifts to transport the pumpkins to the water. Next, the regatta participants, dressed in funny costumes, cut holes in the pumpkins, scooped out the pulp with spoons, and then boarded the "boat."
Contestants dressed as Shrek, the Witch, Ursula, and other characters raced to stay afloat. Gary Christensen, portraying the character Buddy from Will Ferrell's holiday film "Elf," was the first to cross the finish line.
