Nothing says Portland quite like watching costumed characters paddling inside giant hollowed-out gourds in a series of races. This long-standing local tradition is just a part of a fun-filled weekend that starts on Saturday with a giant vegetable weigh-off and festive brews at Stickmen Brewing Company. Sunday morning kicks off with a 5K Regatta run and walk, followed by the pumpkin races at noon and 2 pm. Other Sunday activities include pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, pumpkin tic-tac-toe (are you sensing a theme), a kids' costume contest, and a "zombie shootout" game. by Shannon Lubetich