History of the Goffstown
Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off & Regatta

In 2000, Jim Beauchemin approached the Main Street Program with a wild idea, "What if we took giant pumpkins and turned them into boats for a regatta on the Piscataquog?" As soon as we heard the idea, we knew it was a winner! Thanks to the support of the New Hampshire Giant Pumpkin Growers Association and countless sponsors throughout the years, the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta has become the signature event for Goffstown Main Street.

The first year, four pumpkins were turned into boats on a snowy October day. The captains represented the town's Board of Selectmen, the Goffstown Fire and Police Departments, and Main Street. Barbara Griffin, then chairman of the Board of Selectmen, set the standard for decorating boats with her entry as Glinda the Good Witch in a pink pumpkin. Police Chief Mike French began his tradition of competing in costume with a wild assortment of clothing and a piggy mask! Main Street's Jim Beauchemin dressed as a traditional New England fisherman in yellow oilskins. Fire Chief Ed Hunter took a more traditional view, and wore firefighter's garb. It must have worked, because he took home the first trophy as winner of the Regatta.

Following years saw a wide range of costumes and boat themes from up to ten different boats each year. A constant, though, is the appearance of a representative from each of the four original boats.

The weekend is full of fun, with additions of games, catapulting, Art Show-off, Pumpkin Cook-off, and much, much more.

Non-profit partners reap some of the financial benefit of the event selling everything from t-shirts to fried bologna sandwiches.

Main Street is proud of its role in bringing this annual event to Goffstown!