Yep, I spelled it correctly – PUNKIN CHUNKIN! The “Chunkin’” I attended was in Brasstown, NC and is an annual fall event that includes teams of “professional” pumpkin chunkers who compete to see how far they can make an ~ 8lb pumpkin fly. These affairs are held all over the US in the fall and competition is fierce! The record for the farthest a pumpkin has been chunked is 5,545.3 ft. from an air cannon in Moab, UT. 3 reasons to attend the festivities:
Great Entertainment
These people take the competition seriously! This year at the Clay County, NC event there were 8 teams competing using torsion machines, air cannons and catapults. The general public is allowed in the machine area an hour before the competition begins to get up close and personal with the contraptions and speak to the participants. For the most part, the apparatuses are conceived and built by guys with engineering backgrounds (and a whole lot of extra time and money on their hands). There were a couple of teams with less sophisticated machines (think the beat up van pulling a huge slingshot) but everybody is out to have fun and enjoy the weekend. Between Punkin Chunkin rounds, there is a Spud Gun competition.
Family Friendly
Most people bring lawn chairs and line up along the field that has distance markers. Of course, everyone has their favorite team they cheer for. Not only do they have the “distance events”, but there is food, adult beverages, bounce houses for the kids, a zip line for adults and kids, craft vendors and a whole lot of socializing. There is live musical entertainment and of course fireworks at the end of each evening.
Beautiful Fall Weather
There’s no better time of year to get out and enjoy the weather than fall! Cool, crisp days make the perfect conditions for the annual Punkin Chunkin!! Find a festival near you and be amazed!