The annual Great Pumpkin Rotary River Race will be held on Oct. 8 from noon until 3 p.m. at the St. Joseph Arboretum near the river.
Yes, pumpkins will really race down the St. Joseph River — twice!  This year there will be a first and second heat.
Come early to purchase and decorate a pumpkin at the Krasl decorating tent.
Fastest pumpkin wins $1,000.   Even if a pumpkin ends up being a slowpoke, other prizes will be awarded, including “Best in Show” for decoration.
Celebrate fall with games and food for the whole family. Pumpkins officially enter the water at 2 p.m. All proceeds go to the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary programs to benefit the youth of Benton Harbor, such as Red Wagon summer reading program, Rotary Park maintenance and a school-based food pantry.
Area restaurants and retailers will be hosting “Pumpkin Specials” the evening of Oct. 7 to benefit the cause.
For more information, contact Andi Grabemeyer at (269) 519-8846.
Tickets can be purchased starting Aug. 29 in advance at St. Joseph Today, Travel Leaders, participating restaurants and Southwest Michigan Regional Airport.