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| All are welcome. |
The Midwest, along with the rest of the world, has an event approaching in the first days of November: Pumpkin Chunkin'. I have to believe this event arose from leftover Halloween pumpkins to Medieval ages. Maybe or maybe not, Pumpkin Chunkin' has evolved from simple to complicated.
Here is an official statement from the WCPCA:
The World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association (WCPCA) is a trademark nonprofit that raises money for scholarships, as well as organizations that benefit youth and the local community.
We host a signature pumpkin-launching event each year, fueling innovative engineering and science-based ideas that draw spectators from all over.
We believe that Punkin Chunkin cultivates the odd, challenging, and competitive quest for distance that inspires creativity, ingenuity, teamwork, and passion.
It is this very dedication that drives teams to compete using science and engineering skills and brings spectators to the gate which allows us to continue our never ending thirst to support our scholarship and charitable programs.
YouTube, about 3 minutes long
There are several divisions from historically accurate to serious military grade.
The passion is the same, love for the event is palpable, and enthusiasm seeps through the attendees.
The above YouTube shows the divisions and constructions. The one below sticks to traditionally accurate 1,000 years ago trebuchet:
About 6 minutes long, skip ahead.
Despite all the mechanics that can overshadow the joy of finding a pumpkin in the field, we look at those faces and hear "Over there! That's the one I want!"
I do not know how many years we have scampered over the fields, chasing grandkids. Each time is like the first time.
Amazing how something GROWS!!! But you are right there is nothing like a kid picking THE pumpkin!
ReplyDeleteGood stuff
Sherry & jack
Oh, yes! Our gr-daughters climbed on many, ran to others. Fun memories.
DeleteThere was one Thanksgiving where that's what we watched. I forget what channel it was on, but it was the chunkin championships or something. For several years. Quite the spectacle.
ReplyDeletePeople have fun. I wish there was one in our world.
DeleteWe've caught it a couple times and just so funny watching those pumpkins fly and explode.
ReplyDeleteThere is something about total pumpkin destruction makes me feel all warm inside.
DeleteNow THAT'S quality entertainment!
ReplyDeleteOh, you bet!
DeleteThe WCPCA event looks like a fun time.
ReplyDeleteThey sure found ways to own the door for more donations.
DeleteUp to $200,000 for a machine to chuck a pumpkin??
ReplyDeleteAre these edible pumpkins? Because that seems like waste to me, although I suppose it could be fun.
Those pumpkins are not "eating pumpkins". Those are too hard shelled and the flesh isn't good for people. But put them in a pasture, they will disappear.
DeleteChunkin punkins is certainly more appealing than tossing cow pies which as you know is also a popular contest.
ReplyDeleteI did reasonably well on the cow pies, but I would pass on the pumpkins.
DeleteGreat cause.
ReplyDeleteIt must be excellent.
DeleteIts gratifying to see the end result.
ReplyDeleteIt would be a heck of a thing.
DeleteWhat i love is how they've made it so official and use it for fundraising. It makes me grin to think of it.
ReplyDeleteMoney can be made for all sorts of creations. Pumpkins are finally getting their due.
DeleteWhen the grands were little we always had a pumpkin carving and Halloween party. Now every Thanksgiving we have a pumpkin shoot out. Everyone brings their guns and shoot up all the fall pumpkins. I let the neighbors know so they don't think a war has broke out. Thankfully we live in the country. You're probably glad you're not my neighbor!
ReplyDeleteI lived on a farm, so my brothers would have joined you! Fun substitute.
DeleteI think this is a worthy cause and I am in awe of the science and engineering factors it brings to the table. Thanks for sharing this, Susan.
ReplyDeleteLOVE seeing the child finding just the right pumpkin, too.
It brings back so many memories. One year when we didn't get a pumpkin right away, the only ones left were the monsters and the rotting little ones. Sad.
DeleteI can't see a trebuchet without thinking of Monty Python! I love festivals like this -- it sounds like such fun!
ReplyDeleteMonty Python always does up right.
DeleteI think that the pleasure children derive from pumpkins far exceeds the joy we get from eating the pie!
ReplyDeleteI was always stuck with the pumpkin clean out, while my girls did the art work.
DeleteI am trying a new pumpkin pie recipe. Tomorrow. Maybe.