A pumpkin has the same number of seeds, regardless of its size, she says. The seeds are just a lot bigger in the giant variety. Unfortunately, the Cinderella Express also doesn't finish because the women's bare feet get cold and start cramping. They abandon the race, drifting to shore where they unravel themselves from the pumpkin's interior. All pumpkins are required to have at least a bailer, a paddle and an anchor on board when they finish, or they are disqualified.
Coast guard auxiliary members are on hand to save anyone who gets in trouble.
This is his first year in the competition. Last year the winning pumpkin took 20 minutes to cross the lake. The prizes are handed out in an elaborate award ceremony hosted by Lloyd Smith, Windsor's Town Crier, wearing his full regalia and carrying his bell. Behind the ceremony, Helen Romans stands next to the entry table, watching while Smith calls out the winners. You'll just have to wait and show up next year.