Eyes to the Sky - 20th Annual Punkin Chunkin Contest

20th Punkin Chunkin Event in Millsboro, Delaware

All eyes face skyward as the pumpkins launch with dizzying speeds from pneumatic air cannons, catapults, trebuchets, mechanical rigs and other man-made contraptions. Pull out your blankets and chairs and watch men and women prove they are the best at heaving pumpkins across the skies. Who will take the prize this year with pumpkins that soar over a mile (5280 feet)?

The prizes go to the creative inventors who launch their pumpkins the farthest distance without using chemicals, batteries or electricity. Ego, will and skill come together to launch these unfortunate passengers. Dwarf, firm pumpkins are ideal candidates. The best chunkers are the white, home-grown pumpkin variety. If the unfortunate pumpkin breaks during the course of the chunk, it gets disqualified. OUCH! Now that’s a double whammy!

How it all Started

On the first weekend in November of 1986, Bill Thompson, Trey Melson, John Ellsworth and Chuck and Darryl Burton met on Thompson’s farm, outside of Milton, Delaware, with their punkin chunkin inventions. Chunkin machines sure have changed! Ellsworth’s chunker was a combination of pulleys, tubes and ropes. Burton’s chunkin machine was a wooden pole mounted on a trailer, powered by auto springs. Thompson and Melson’s chunker was garage doors springs connected to a car frame. 

Let the Ceremonies Begin! 

Last years event drew more than 20,000 people. A total of 72 teams competed. Ticket sales and associated revenues grossed more than $100,000. More than $70,000 will be distributed in scholarships to a variety of community organizations.
The three-day field party contest is held the first weekend in November. Punkin Chunkin contests are held in various towns throughout the country. The winners of these contests are invited to the World Champsionship Punkin Chunkin contest. The World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association opens the gates on Friday, November 3, 2006 at 7:30 AM in Millsboro, Delaware. Get an eary start on Saturday when the air cannons first fire at 8:00 AM.