What’s a “Pumpkin Paddle” you might ask? Well, the folks at Belmont Lake State Park came up with an idea for a unique fall festival just before Halloween.  Besides lots of activities for the youngsters there was a pumpkin carving contest with a twist.  Once darkness fell 50 of the best pumpkins were lighted, loaded on floats, and towed around the lake.

That’s where paddlers from North Atlantic Canoe& Kayak were enlisted to tow the rafts of pumpkins.  To be honest it was pretty difficult towing a dozen big pumpkins each on its own individual 2 foot square float.  But it was all worth it when we saw the crowds of kids and their parents lining the shoreline as we passed back and forth.