Three free events across two October weekends give Tigard and Tualatin residents a chance to press apples, pull weeds and watch giant pumpkins race across a lake.

Apple Harvest at the John Tigard House

The Tigard Historical Association (THA) hosts its annual Apple Harvest on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the John Tigard House Museum, at 103rd Street and Canterbury Lane in Tigard.

Visitors can peel, core and press apples using antique machinery, according to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Tours of the 1880 house are available, along with period costumes, old-fashioned games and apple pie. Admission is free.

On its website, the THA calls the house's preservation an expression of community pride. The house is also open by appointment at 503-747-9856.

Beaver pond restoration near Tigard Public Library

Tualatin Riverkeepers is organizing a volunteer habitat restoration on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. just south of the Tigard Public Library at 13500 SW Hall Blvd.

Volunteers will remove ivy and blackberry bushes from beaver pond habitat, build habitat piles and prep the site for future planting. The group says the project supports wildlife habitat, water quality, soil health and biodiversity near the library. The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District is backing the effort.

Tools, safety gear, snacks, coffee and instruction are provided. The site involves uneven surfaces near water and is accessible via the TriMet 76 bus line. Participation is free, but registration is required through the Tualatin Riverkeepers website.

West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta

Costumed paddlers race hollowed-out giant pumpkins across a lake at the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lake of the Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg St. in Tualatin.

The festival, held since 2004, draws thousands of visitors each year and features pumpkin races at noon and 2 p.m., according to the City of Tualatin. The Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers supply the giant pumpkins. Activities also include pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, a kids' costume contest and professional pumpkin carvers. Admission is free.

The Regatta weekend also features "Pumpkins and Pints" at Stickmen Brewing Company, 19475 SW 118th Ave. in Tualatin, with a giant pumpkin weigh-off, wood-fired pizza and craft beer from noon to 5 p.m. The Tualatin Rotary Club hosts a 5K Regatta Run/Walk at Tualatin Community Park, 8513 SW Tualatin Rd.

Upcoming community events

  • Saturday, Oct. 10: Apple Harvest, 1–3 p.m., John Tigard House Museum, 103rd and Canterbury Lane, Tigard. Free.
  • Sunday, Oct. 11: Beaver Pond Restoration, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., south of Tigard Public Library, 13500 SW Hall Blvd. Free; registration required.
  • Sunday, Oct. 18: West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Lake of the Commons, 8325 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin. Free.