What’s not quite clear is how many years ago the concept of ridding one’s self of unwanted Halloween pumpkins turned into veritable flying pumpkin warfare, but what is abundantly clear is everyone wants to get in on the act. If you count yourself among those who are convinced that they can launch a pumpkin farther than anyone else within a country mile, it’s time to start concocting your launching device.
Organizers are certain that the pumpkins will be flying higher and farther on Saturday, October 7th than ever before as they assemble plans now for the Launching Hope Pumpkin Chunking Challenge to be held at Nimby Pond in Buchanan.
This year’s challenge offers teams the opportunity to build their own catapult, trebuchet or cannon and compete for trophies and prizes. The “Unlimited” category has drawn national competitors promising distances of 800 to more than 2,000 feet.
Trophies will be awarded for teams in each of the different classes, and individuals can compete for prizes in an “Open” class where an one (including children) can launch their own pumpkin on a trebuchet.
If you’d like to enter your catapult, trebuchet or cannon, simply email your entry plans to: keith@stelterhouse.com. You can find the rules for the event under the Rules tab at this website address:
This event will be a warm up for the national competition held in Bridgeville, Delaware from November 3-5 for some of the competitors and offers an opportunity for area residents to see these machines in live action, up close and personal.
For many spectators, viewing catapults and trebuchets–concepts originally designed as medieval tools of warfare and destruction—will be a novel experience. But some of the teams have been exhibiting and competing in this fun, fall ritual for more than a decade.
Other activities offer prizes to children for pumpkin decorating and games. The gates open at 12 noon at 11470 Hills Road in Buchanan. Admission is $10.00 per car. For more details visit either the website above, or at this link:
