Let The Pumpkins... FLY!!!!!

Now that its officially October all I can think about is pumpkins.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, Sam Adams Octoberfest beer. (which by the way is the BEST beer ever)  But there is an event that happens soon that gets me very excited!

Its a tradition in the area I live, and is now world famous.  It’s the World Championship Punkin’ Chunkin’!!  Yes, its exactly as it sounds.  Teams get together and construct massive catapults, air cannons, centrifugal machines and more, all just to see which team can  launch a pumpkin the farthest.

Its been held on the first weekend after Halloween in Sussex County, Delaware.  The event has been talked about all over the country, with thousands of people showing up to the grand event.  Punkin’ Chunkin’ has also appeared in a special on The Food Network.

Each type of machine competes in different categories, and counts the best of three shots.  They usually launch white pumpkins because they can withstand the forces better than the traditional orange ones.  Although launching pumpkins into the air at such force can be quite dangerous, there has never been any fatalities… except for a duck that was hit by a flying pumpkin.

In addition to the Punkin’ Chunkin’ event, there is also a carnival area with rides, food vendors, and of course you have to have a pumpkin recipe contest!

Hopefully I’ll be able to get some good pics this year and share the experience of Punkin’ Chunkin’ with the world!