Dustin Trychta with one of his giant pumpkins.
What’s the news?
A
passion for growing pumpkins, an ethic opposed to waste and a sense of
originality and fun have inspired West Virginia University horticulture student
Dustin Trychta to organize a Pumpkin Regatta. Just what it sounds like, four
giant, hollowed pumpkins will be used as boats in a relay races along the
Monongahela River Sunday (Oct. 22) beginning at 11 a.m. Participating teams
include the WVU Horticulture Club, Men’s Rowing Club, WVU student veterans and
teachers from North Elementary School. The event is free and open to the
public.
Quotes and comments
“At the end
of the day, I'm trying to show people that a pumpkin is not ‘just a
pumpkin.’ My pumpkins are a vehicle. A vehicle by which I'm able to spread
good spirit and sober fun. A vehicle to promote agriculture at a land
grant university. A vehicle to pull clubs of very different backgrounds
together in a collaborative way. To me, my pumpkins are priceless, and because
of that I will not waste them. I decided long ago, I would always find a way to
share them after harvest. It's challenging coming up with new ideas each year,
but no one likes the same old thing, so it's worth a bit of effort.” – Dustin Trychta, horticulture student in the
Davis College
of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
Resources
Feature photo
Dustin Trychta audio file (:34)
Original story: Oh, my gourd!
Target Audiences
WVU Community
Morgantown and surrounding communities
Educators and administrators
Parents
Kids of all ages
Pumpkin enthusiasts
-WVU-
CONTACT: Lindsay WilleyCommunications Manager, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design
304.293.2381; Lindsay.Willey@mail.wvu.edu