It is once again time for pumpkin racing on Lake Mendota, where spectators can watch University of Wisconsin-Madison horticulture students and faculty paddle giant gourds around a watery course, protected by their carved-pumpkin “safety” helmets.

The UW-Madison”s second annual Giant Pumpkin Regatta will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Memorial Union Terrace, 800 Langdon St. The entire Madison community is invited to attend this free event.

While last year”s boats were carved from commercially available Atlantic Giant pumpkins, this year”s race will feature new hybrid varieties designed especially for the event by James Nienhuis, UW-Madison professor of horticulture.

“It has been our goal not just to have size [like last year”s pumpkins], but rather to have sleek sailing pumpkins,” says Nienhuis, who along with fellow horticulture professor Irwin Goldman, founded the regatta last year as an ice-breaker activity for students in their world vegetable crops course. “The new pumpkins are hilarious. They come in a variety of colors – yellow, pink, orange and white – and with and without stripes. Many are shaped like canoes.”

This year”s regatta is sponsored by Firestone Tire and Rubber. The UW-Madison Hoofers Sailing Club will provide life jackets, chase kayaks and general supervision.