Tour de "Elk Grove"

Twice a year Elk Grove draws huge crowds to its large park. In July, the Park is home to the "Strauss Festival", complete with orchestra, dancers, and fireworks. It is quite beautiful.
The other event is Elk Grove's Harvest Festival which takes place in October. The first year that we had the Harvest Festival it was quite small, but in the past few years it has become a well-known event. A prize is given every year for the largest pumpkin entered. I had hoped to take a picture of it, but the battery in my camera died before I got the chance. I believe the winning pumpkin came from Canada and weighed about 1500 pounds.
One other event which takes place during the Harvest Festival is the "Great Pumpkin Race". We missed the race last year, but this year we were able to make it over in time to watch. The contestants hollow out their giant pumpkins and turn them into boats. The first "pumpkin boat" to paddle across the pond and back wins 500 dollars. Don't think it is possible? Take a look.
There were six contestants. One immediately tipped over as the whistle blew, so five boats were in the race. Below is the man who won the race.
Some people like to draw attention to themselves like the clown in the boat below.
We also had a pirate show up. Argh! as Jack would say.
Dad and I wish we could have taken some grandchildren along. But alas, they all live too far away. I hope they at least enjoy the pictures.