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Ontario, Canada.

Sun, October 9, 2005

They're out of their gourds20,000 to watch Martha paddle a giant pumpkin

By CP

WINDSOR, N.S. -- As many as 20,000 people were expected to converge on a small Nova Scotia town today, all to catch a glimpse of Martha Stewart as the American celebrity homemaker and convicted felon races across a lake in a giant pumpkin.

Stewart is scheduled to arrive just before the day's events begin in the annual Pumpkin Regatta.

"We're pretty excited, although it is a little wet outside," said Diana Dill, a regatta organizer, as rain fell on the town yesterday.

More rain is expected today, but Dill said the event will go ahead, rain or shine.

Stewart is to be among 30 or so competitors who cross Lake Pesaquid in an enormous, hollowed-out pumpkin.


Entrants slide into a hole cut in the top of the pumpkin, then sit, crouch or kneel while paddling across the lake.

Before the race, the domestic diva is expected to ride alongside her pumpkin at the head of the Pumpkin Paddlers' Parade, a fundraiser for the Children's Wish Foundation. Three young girls from the foundation are to ride with her.

So far, the foundation has raised $8,000.

As for Stewart's "boat," her specially picked pumpkin was grown locally by Dill's father, Howard. His locally renowned farm grows many of the enormous gourds used in the regatta.

Nova Scotia's tourism department was promoting the event, and media from across Canada and the United States are expected to attend.

The visit was almost derailed when Stewart discovered her criminal record would prevent her from entering Canada. On Thursday, organizers said she had cleared up issues at the border and would make the race.

Stewart, 64, was found guilty last year of lying about a stock sale.

She served five months in prison and five months of house arrest.

10/9/2005 11:25:43 AM

Ontario, Canada.

http://www.torontosun.com/News/Canada/2005/10/09/1254918-sun.html

10/9/2005 11:26:06 AM

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Unfortunately, she didn't make it. Howard is known for growing big pumpkins, and the East Coast is known for fog. What can you do? Excellent event anyway.

10/9/2005 7:13:14 PM

Long Island,New York

Is that the excuse....?....fog?....lol

10/9/2005 8:17:53 PM

Phoenix, AZ

Oh, so she lied about coming to the event? Is this event publicly traded or something?

10/9/2005 11:30:32 PM