1
Reuse your kit
Inspect the wheels, bearings, wing nuts, and threaded rods. Replace only what’s worn or bent.
5th annual neighborhood tradition
Ready. Set. Gourd!
Pumpkin racing, wonderfully silly carnival games, and an afternoon with awesome neighbors—that includes you.
Race day
Come for the pumpkins. Stay for the carnival.
Start at check-in, get your pumpkin’s nameplate and heat assignment, then find a spot along the course.
2:00Check-in opensBring your racer to the marked check-in station first.
2:30Best Dressed votingYour pumpkin must be placed by 2:30 to be included.
2:45Races beginSingle-elimination heats continue until one racer remains.
AfterwardMini carnivalGames begin after trophies are announced.
Running late? Racers can join while races are underway—until the final pumpkin waiting on the 2×4 staging area is picked up for its first race.
Build it right
A fast, fair—and delightfully decorated—pumpkin.
Check these basics before race day. The referees’ decisions are final, and a race-off may settle a close call.
✓ A legal racer
- Uses one real pumpkin.
- Has exactly two independent axles passing through the pumpkin.
- Has wheels attached directly to those axles.
- Uses axles no longer than 18 inches.
- Measures no more than 30 inches around.
- Uses only plastic zip ties for axle support or adjustment.
× Not race-legal
- No skateboard, stroller, toy truck, or other prefabricated chassis.
- No constructed chassis or connections between the axles.
- No bumper or protective cage around the pumpkin.
- No tension rods, welded supports, sharp objects, explosives, or pyrotechnics.
- No pushing: line it up, let go, and put your hands in the air.
Built something gloriously illegal? You can still race it in the non-compliant “Cheater Pumpkin” heat after the official races. Tell the check-in crew when you arrive. These racers aren’t eligible for trophies—but creativity is encouraged.
Tap the illustrated rules to open them full size.
Wheels & rods
Three ways to get rolling.
Check last year’s kit first. If the wheels spin and the rods are straight, you may already be set.
2
Replace the rods
Buy 5/16-inch × 36-inch threaded rods at a hardware store and cut each in half. A hacksaw works—or borrow one from a neighbor.
3
Order a complete kit
Use Racers Sign Up 2026 to request the number of $25 kits you need. Final cost will include shipping.
Build it in 6 steps
Drill the axle pathsInsert an axle into a cordless drill and carefully drill it through the pumpkin.
Add inner wing nutsThread them at least 1½ inches onto each axle, wings facing the pumpkin.
Add wheelsMost kits use wheels around 6 inches across. If your kit uses bearings, tap a bearing into both sides of each wheel with a rubber mallet.
Secure the wheelsAdd outer wing nuts with wings facing out. Leave a slight gap so wheels spin freely.
Decorate and testGive your racer a name and make sure it rolls straight.
Fine-tuneCheck parallel axles, wheel spin, and ground clearance. Use zip ties if needed.
Race-pro tips
Straight beats giant.
- Bigger and heavier does not necessarily mean faster.
- Parallel axles are the secret to staying off the side wall.
- Recheck alignment before every heat.
- Make sure every wheel spins freely.
- Allow enough ground clearance for bumps and dips.
- If you can’t win the race, lose in style.
Optional finale
Send your gourd out with a smash.
Finished racing? There’s one more gloriously messy option.
Pumpkin smashing
If you’d like, you can see your gourd blasted into smithereens with a giant wooden mallet. Participation is completely optional.
For kiddos—and anyone else who hates seeing things smashed—the carnival should serve as a nice distraction. But heads up: the mallet shall fall!
Getting here
Walk if you can. Park thoughtfully if you can’t.
The race zone itself is a no-parking area. Please leave generous clearance for neighbors and emergency vehicles.
Tap the map to open it full size and zoom in on street names.
Protect driveway access
Do not block driveways, corners, mailboxes, or the roadway. Leave plenty of room for cars and large emergency vehicles to get through.
Allow extra time
Parking may be a few blocks away. Walk from home if possible, or plan for a short walk from your parking spot.
Race location
NE 121st St, in front of 8104 NE 121st St. Check-in is inside the marked race area.
Respectful neighbors
Help us take good care of the neighborhood.
A little consideration from everyone keeps the event welcoming for the people who live here.
1
Stick to shared spaces
Please remind kiddos to stay on streets, sidewalks, and event areas instead of running through neighbors’ backyards.
2
Leave it cleaner
If you spot a piece of garbage and have the opportunity, please help by picking it up.
3
Help each other out
Lend a hand when you can and look out for the people around you.
Our community is what makes living here so great—and what keeps events like this fun, year after year.
Pitch in
A tiny carnival takes a village.
The races can only happen with a few easy volunteer roles filled. Right now, volunteering is the most important sign-up.
Host a gameBeanbag toss, stack-of-cans, candy balance—anything kids can play. We’ll find a setup spot, even if you don’t live beside the race zone.
Bring a snackAdd something easy to share at the event snack table.
Donate prizesCandy and non-food prizes help keep the carnival stations supplied.
VolunteerRace-day helpers make check-in, heats, repairs, voting, and cleanup possible.
Frequently asked
Before you email the group…
What happens if it rains?
We’ll embrace a properly Northwest pumpkin race and carry on in ordinary rain. If a stronger storm is passing through, the start may shift earlier or later by a couple of hours. The race must remain on the same day because the road-closure permit is approved in advance. Any time change will be shared through the neighborhood message.
Who is invited?
This is intentionally a small community event for people living on the nearby cross streets and their guests. Feel free to invite a few friends, but please don’t post the event to broad social-media groups or public calendars.
Can I race without a regulation pumpkin?
Yes. Check in for the non-compliant “Cheater Pumpkin” heat, held after the official races. You can race, but you won’t be eligible for a trophy.
What are the prizes?
Fastest Pumpkin and Best Dressed Pumpkin each receive a trophy. Everyone gets one Best Dressed vote; please don’t vote for your own pumpkin. Give your decorated racer a name so we can make its nameplate.
What if my pumpkin breaks?
There will be a repair table for racers who advance and need an adjustment before the next heat. Zip ties are especially useful, and a limited supply may be available.
Do carnival hosts miss the races?
No. Carnival games begin only after the races and trophy announcements. Games usually run for no more than an hour, and hosts can close earlier if needed.
How long do the races last?
It depends on the number of entries. Recent races have taken about 30 minutes. Winners advance through single-elimination rounds until one pumpkin remains.
Can we share photos afterward?
Yes—use the private neighborhood photo thread shared after the event. Please avoid posting recognizable photos of children publicly without their family’s permission.
Help us include everyone
Are your next-door neighbors on the email list?
If not, please send them our email address so they can ask to be added. We want nearby neighbors south of the 5-way stop to know they’re invited and genuinely welcome.
Email Us