GOFFSTOWN — The threat of milfoil in the Piscataquog River won’t deter the captains of the giant pumpkin boats at this year’s Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off and Regatta this weekend, as motors will still be permitted at the race.

According to Robbie Grady, Executive Director of the Main Street Program, all boaters have been asked to bring a paddle, just in case.

“Milfoil was pulled from along the shoreline,” Grady said, “but if there is additional milfoil in the line of traffic, they’ll be able to paddle out of it.”

Grady said in the future, however, it’s possible that a paddles-only policy will be implemented.

“We want to be good stewards of the environment,” she said. “A lot will depend on the condition of the river.”

The weekend will also include the annual traditions that have made the festival a success in the past, and will include something new this year as well, Grady said.

“This year, we’re adding the trolley tour of the villages,” she said. Normally a tradition at Old Home Day in June, Grady said it’s the first time the trolley rides have been on the schedule on regatta weekend.

Dick Gagnon will lead tours, departing from Depot Street and head to both Grasmere and Pinardville, giving riders a feel for all three of Goffstown’s villages, Grady said.

The stars of the weekend, the giant pumpkins, will begin arriving on the common at 9 a.m. Saturday, and will be turned into boats at 2:30 p.m.

There will be plenty of pumpkin-themed activities, including pumpkin painting and carving, a pumpkin catapult, a giant pumpkin drop and a pumpkin pie-eating contest.

A pumpkin cook-off will be held at Sully’s Superette at 11 a.m. Saturday, and the names of this year’s Pumpkin Prince and Princess will be announced at noon.

Those looking for music can find it at 11 a.m. Saturday at Apotheca, and a concert by the Psychedelic Relics at the Church St. Fire Station at 4 p.m.

Area businesses will take part in the festivities as well, with a plinko game at TD Bank, a martial arts demonstration by Masters Self-Defense and The Mullaney Center, and an open house and doggie Halloween costume contest at Glen Lake Animal Hospital.

The Library’s annual Book Sale will take place on Saturday from 8 a.m to 3 pm., and the Goffstown Village Farmer’s Market will be open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Kendall Hadley Row.

Grady said what she likes best about the weekend is the local flavor, and the relationship that’s been developed with the giant pumpkin growers.

“The partnership with the growers has been a wonderful one over the years,” she said.

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Kathy Remillard may be reached at kremillard@newstote.com.