Gourds, Guts & Glory is a half-hour special that takes us into the zany world of giant pumpkin racing, premiering Saturday, October 27th at 6:30pm ET | 3:30PT on CMT.
OTTAWA, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - New Canadian TV special to air this fall on CMT. It's that time of year again! Pumpkins are being gutted, carved, painted and transformed into… boats?! Yes, boats! Mountain Road Productions, in association with CMT, is excited to announce the premiere of Gourds, Guts & Glory, a half-hour special that takes us into the zany world of giant pumpkin racing at the 13th Annual Pumpkin Regatta slated to air October 27th at 6:30pm ET | 3:30PT on CMT. Repeating October 30th at 6:30pm ET | 3:30PT and 11:30pm ET| 8:30PT.
In Windsor, Nova Scotia - birthplace of the giant pumpkin - they don't just grow massive gourds, they race them! Every October, pumpkins are transformed into PVC's - Personal Vegetable Crafts - and then paddled across Lake Pesaquid in an all-out race to the finish. Along the way, the wacky competitors reveal their secret weapons, madcap rituals and crazy antics in their never-ending pursuit of pumpkin glory.
Each year, thousands of spectators travel to Windsor to watch the eccentric locals as they paddle across Lake Pesaquid in their flamboyantly decorated giant pumpkin boats. The race has become so popular it has turned ordinary citizens into local celebrities, and no one has become more legendary, more iconic, than long time paddler Chip Peterson. Better known as "Pumpkin Head", Chip has been racing since the regatta's inception, duking it out for family pride and that first place title. Having paddled 0 for 12, Chip's hoping he can change his fortunes. Rivals include Anthony "Reigning Champ" Cook, Will "The Grower" Neily and his top competitor, Barry "Pumpkin Head's Brother" Peterson. Rumour has it that the legendary Uncle Leo might even come out of retirement. But where do the competitors find the perfect racing pumpkin? At Windsor's Annual Pumpkin Weigh-Off that takes place the week before the race! Most competitors pick their pumpkins and scope out the competition at this event - leading to a weeklong frenzy of preparation before the big race.
"This TV special was an incredible amount of fun to direct and produce! It's an entertaining look at what goes into prepping for a giant pumpkin race. And make no mistake, these competitors take themselves very seriously," says Executive Producer Tim Alp.
Who will win bragging rights? Tune in October 27th at 6:30pm ET | 3:30PT on CMT to find out. Repeating October 30th at 6:30pm ET | 3:30PT and 11:30pm ET| 8:30PT.
About Mountain Road Productions
Since 1997, Mountain Road Productions has become synonymous with originality and excellence in the television production industry. Founded by Tim Alp, this Ottawa, ON based company has produced multiple critically-acclaimed and award-winning series, specializing in factual, home renovation, comedy and lifestyle programming.
Regatta founder Danny Dill (son of 4-Time World Champion and founder of modern day giant pumpkin growing, Howard Dill), pumpkin race competitors Chip Peterson, Anthony Cook and Will Neily as well as regatta organizer VanEssa Roberts are available for media interviews.
You can also click here for promotional photos.
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Video with caption: "Gourds, Guts & Glory is a half-hour special that takes us into the zany world of giant pumpkin racing at the 13th Annual Windsor Pumpkin Regatta, premiering Saturday, October 27th at 6:30pm ET / 3:30PT on CMT. Repeating October 30th at 6:30pm ET / 3:30PT and 11:30pm ET / 8:30PT.". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES1Yk7NvUXY&feature=share&list=PLNJx3gO9gq8RBT7Qh7k2MKkfmdFPNmp-j
SOURCE: Mountain Road Productions
Margaret Robitaille
Mountain Road Productions
(613) 237-4447
[email protected]
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