Punkin Chunkin World Championship

Punkin Chunkin World Championship

October-November

A celebration held the first weekend after Halloween in Sussex County, Del., since 1986, the Punkin Chunkin World Championship involves shooting pumpkins as far as possible using homemade catapults, trebuchets, slingshots, or pneumatic air cannons. No prizes are offered except for bragging rights.
There are various levels of competition based on the type of machine used and the age of participants. Pumpkins are weighed beforehand, the competing teams are given three minutes to prepare and load their machines, and then each team in turn is given the chance to launch their projectile. Each team gets the best of three shots. Judges on ATVs ride out in the field to mark and measure the distance each pumpkin traveled. Pumpkins that break apart in midair are considered "pie" and are disqualified. The 2007 event was held in a farm field near Bridgeville, Del. Punkin Chunkin festivals are said to have spread to some 50 other locations across America.

CONTACTS:
World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association
P.O. Box 217
Nassau, DE 19969
www.punkinchunkin.com/main.htm