Keweenaw CAPE Pumpkin Races

As the fall season begins to reach its peak, Keweenaw Community Alliance for Progressive Education, (CAPE) prepares to host its first ever annual Pumpkin Race Fundraiser in honor of Deb Mann. The downhill races will be held on Ryan Street in Hancock, on Saturday, Oct 21. The racer inspection will begin at 12 p.m., followed by races at 1 p.m., and lastly awards at 3 p.m. 

What is a pumpkin race? The rules are simple: you must design your pumpkin race car from a single pumpkin of any shape or size. You must insert two independent axles with any type of wheels attached, and the pumpkin cannot be powered by anything but the gravity of the downhill slope. There will be multiple race heats, with an extra heat for all the cheater pumpkins that didn’t follow the rules. There will even be special prizes for placement and most creative racers. 

Whether you come to race or hang out, there will be plenty to do for everyone. In addition to the races, there will be other games like apple pressing, button making, and maybe some pickup flag football games. When asked why people should attend, Anna Sanchez, the event organizer and founder, said, “Enjoying the simple pleasures of fall is something a lot of us can lose sight of as we get older. Being able to volunteer for an event like this can bring back some of the joy.” 

This family friendly fundraiser honors a great person who worked for and supported the City of Hancock: Deb Mann. As Keweenaw CAPE says, “Deb Mann was a creative thinker and organizer and we hold this event to remember her energy and passion by bringing folks together.” The optional donations will be divided 50/50 between Keweenaw CAPE and the Deb Mann Scholarship. Keweenaw CAPE will use their portion to continue to offer innovative educational opportunities to the public. 

Races will be held regardless of weather. To register for this event, or to learn more about the rules and how to prepare, please visit: 

https://www.keweenawcape.com/october-pumpkin-races-fundraiser.html.