It started, as many obsessions do, with a simple bet between men.
Seventeen years later, competing to throw pumpkins as far as possible – an event known as "punkin chunkin" – has grown into an annual event that draws upwards of 24,000 spectators to a 279-acre field in Millsboro, Del.
"We've gone from three machines competing to having to limit it to 80 over two days," says Frank Shade, president of the Punkin Chunkin Association. He first came to the event as a spectator 10 years ago and became hooked. "You either fall in love with it or you go home early."
Local lore has it that the contest originated back in 1986, when four friends were sitting around a vintage blacksmith shop, talking about the old-time sport of anvil tossing.
"One of us said that they could throw farther than someone else and I threw my hat on the ground," says John Ellsworth, a co-founder of the event.
"No one had any gloves," explains Trey Melson, also a co-founder.
To save their backs, the gentlemen decided to go with pumpkins and a tradition was born.
The Punkin Chunkin Association sanctions and runs the official world championship of pumpkin tossing, although copycat events have sprung up throughout the nation.
"We don't mind the spin-offs, as long as they're safe," Shade says. To keep the competition fair, the Association's rules are that no type of propulsion other than springs and compressed air can be used in the pumpkin throwing machines. No explosives of any kind are allowed. Pumpkins must weigh 8-10 pounds and must leave the machine intact, limiting the amount of force that can be put behind them.
"We have lots of pumpkins come out of the machines in pieces – pumpkin pie, we call it," Shade says.
Held the weekend after Halloween, when smashable pumpkins are readily available, the contest has grown into a festival with arts and crafts, food vendors and tailgate parties. There are different categories of competition, including one for kids under age 10. Last year's winner hurled a pumpkin 3,881 feet.
"The mile has been very elusive," says Shade. "That's the ultimate goal."
There are no prizes, only trophies and bragging rights, Shade says. Parking and entry fees go toward college scholarships and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Pumpkin Pie
What: 18th Annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin Competition
When: 8 a.m., Nov. 1-2
Where: Intersection of Routes 305 & 306 Millsboro, Del.
Cost: $5 admission; $1 parking
Find out more: call (302) 684-8196 or go to www.worldchampionshippunkinchunkin.com
