Pumpkins galore in Elk Grove: Regatta draws hundreds, 1-ton pumpkin takes top gourd
The temperature was just right for a harvest day as seven contenders lined up their giant carved gourds, ready to race them across a duck pond in Elk Grove Park on Sunday afternoon.
Hundreds of spectators, mostly children and families, crowded around the banks of the pond as Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” blared and contestants got ready to partake in what the announcer called “the craziest workout in pumpkin-dom.”
One participant wrote “FLOAT LIKE A BEE” in black lettering on their orange gourd vessel.
Minutes later, Jonny Righetti emerged the winner of the Pumpkin Regatta, the pumpkin-paddling race that takes place every year during the Cosumnes Community Services District’s Elk Grove Giant Pumpkin Festival. This year was the 31st iteration, and the 17th regatta since Elk Grove first began hosting the festival in 1994.
Contestants carve out giant pumpkins and must paddle them for 100 yards across Strauss Island, a duck pond in the center of the park, grab a flag, and paddle back to the finish line. Contenders must be at least 21.
One person almost immediately tumbled out of their pumpkin after the race began, leaving six people to vie for first place.
Righetti emerged victorious, followed by brother Gavin, who are members of a San Luis Obispo pumpkin farming family.
In third was Robert Cook, a multi-year regatta winner, followed by “Johnny the Shark” Gayton, another past winner, in 4th place.
The previous day, Brian Werner set a new site record after his 2,147-pound gourd won the festival weigh-off on Saturday, according to festival organizers. The Gridley pumpkin farmer took home the top prize of $7,000 in his first win since he began sporadically competing in Elk Grove in 2001.
“The support I get from my family makes it that much better,” Werner said, while surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren and siblings. “Growing pumpkins challenges me mentally every day. Every day it’s something different, and it relieves your stress of the day. It’s hard work, but it’s a great hobby.”
In 2023, Minnesota farmer Travis Gienger set a world record for growing a 2,749-pound pumpkin after winning the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay.
Gayton tied for second with Jose Ceja, whose gourds clocked in at 1,621 pounds. Each won $3,500.
This story was originally published October 5, 2025 at 2:44 PM.
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct the name of the Cosumnes Community Services District.
