A Nebraska man named Duane Hansen wanted to break a world record for his birthday last week by floating a river inside a giant pumpkin, and his efforts paid off.
The pumpkin, dubbed “SS Berta,” weighed 846 pounds and was carved out to make it a river-worthy vessel, Fox Weather reported Monday.
Hansen was inspired once he learned someone else tried to set the 25.5 mile record. Therefore, he asked leaders with the Bellevue Mayor’s office to witness his journey.
“So this morning, on the banks of the Missouri River at the Bellevue Public Boat Docks, Mr. Hansen hopped in the pumpkin at approximately 7:30AM to attempt to make the 38 mile trip to Nebraska City in his 846 pound floating pumpkin,” the City of Bellevue wrote in a social media post on Saturday:
“It is estimated that this trip could take approximately 6 hours. He had his wife, family and friends on hand to assist with and help document the attempt. A few of them were following alongside him in a boat should any mishaps occur,” the post continued.
In an update at 9:00 p.m., officials said Hansen arrived in Nebraska City just after 6:30 p.m.
“Congratulations Duane for smashing the world record,” the post stated.
Video footage showed Hansen paddling along the river and it appeared to be raining at the time.
“That was my biggest feat was to grow a pumpkin big enough to do this. I’ve never been in a pumpkin going down the river. I can’t say it’s easy,” he said:
At the end of his journey, Hansen pulled up to a dock in his pumpkin where someone handed him a bottle of what appeared to be champagne.
Meanwhile, the man’s daughter was moved by his accomplishment and expressed her feelings about the event.
“He always has said that you can do anything that you want. And how can you not believe somebody who goes out and does exactly what he wants? And I’m just so proud,” she said before hugging her beloved dad.