Pumpkin Chunkin'
What in the heck is Pumkin' Chunkin’? In case you don’t know, it’s a contest to launch a 6 pound pumpkin as far as possible via means of some sort of noncombustible machine.
Several different types of machines are allowed:
- Air Cannon
- Catapult
- Trebuchet
- Torsion
- Centrifugal
Do some research, and you’ll find that it’s spelled many different ways. It can be Pumpkin, Pumkin or Punkin, Chunkin or Chunking, or any combination of the two. The most common spelling seems to be Punkin Chunkin.
Before we go too far, here is everything you need to know about Punkin Chunkin in less than 4 minutes:
Question: How many people does it take to fling a pumpkin? Anywhere from 4-28, depending on how far you want to throw it.
This next video tells you about a 28-man team trying to project that pumpkin a full mile. Of course, they spend 8 hours every Sunday (and over $168,000!) to reach their goal:
Of course, the Pumpkin Chunkin teams coming to Mortimer Farms on Saturday won’t be quite that sophisticated or far-reaching in their goals. Expect to see local competitors with mostly catapults and trebuchets as their launchers of choice. This is one event that should be a lot of fun to observe. Get your cameras ready!
Other Festivities
Speaking of coming to Mortimer Farms, don’t think that Pumpkin Chunkin is all there is to Saturday’s events. There are hayrides, tractors, bouncey things, a petting zoo, horseback riding, Mutton Bustin’, and live music. Lose your kids in the Corn Maze (only temporarily, of course). Farm fresh produce is available at the Country Store, vendors are on hand to sell food and crafty goods, and you’ll want to try some of the best-ever apple cider available for purchase.
Later in the afternoon, enjoy Tequila Highway at the Saturday night Barn Dance. Afterwards, the Pyroklectic Fire Dancers will perform starting at 7:30. To top off the day, take a Haunted Hayride between 7-9 PM. The perfect way to celebrate Halloween for the entire family.
Sunday, November 1 is the last day of this year’s Pumpkin Festival, so, saddle up, ‘cuz you won’t want to miss it!
