Move over, pumpkin spice—there’s a new fall tradition taking over. Every autumn, enthusiasts gather to indulge in Pumpkin Chunkin’, a delightfully quirky sport where pumpkins are hurled through the air using a variety of inventive contraptions, from catapults to air cannons. These events have become a smashing hit over the years—drawing crowds eager to see who can fling a pumpkin the farthest. Let’s delve into the historical roots of this pumpkin-flinging phenomenon and then set our sights on a local tradition, plus a New England day trip that’s sure to be the pick of the patch.
Pumpkin Chuckin’ (or “Punkin Chunkin,” as some aficionados prefer) dates back to 1986 in Delaware. What started as a friendly competition among friends to see who could toss a pumpkin the farthest has grown into an internationally recognized sport. Over the years, the humble beginnings of hand-thrown pumpkins have evolved into sophisticated siege weapons—catapults, trebuchets, air cannons and even centrifugal machines specially designed to launch pumpkins as far as possible. The world record for pumpkin chuckin’ currently stands at an impressive 5,545 feet, set by an air cannon named “Big 10 Inch” in Utah in 2010.
Ready to have a gourd time? In nearby Wilton, Ambler Farm promises to squash any boredom this fall, offering you a front-row seat to witness pumpkin chuckin’ up close and personal. On October 6, the farm will be hosting their annual Ambler Farm Day—a family-favored event that includes hayrides, a hay maze, scarecrow making, pumpkin decorating, a dunk booth and four launches from their trebuchet, affectionately known as the Punkin’ Chucker. It’s the perfect way to kick off (rather, chuck off) the fall season with a blend of rustic charm and festive fun.
Don’t mind a car ride and looking to spice things up this season? Head to Vermont for the 15th Annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival on September 29th at Mayo Farm Fields. Nestled in the picturesque town of Stowe, this festival is perfect for those looking to experience the charm of autumn with a unique twist. The main event features various teams competing in different categories, each showcasing their homemade pumpkin launchers. Whether it’s a meticulously engineered trebuchet or a creatively cobbled-together slingshot, the ingenuity on display is as entertaining as the splat of pumpkins hitting the ground.
From its modest beginnings as a backyard challenge to its current status as a competitive sport with record-breaking feats, Pumpkin Chuckin’ exemplifies the ingenuity and playful energy of fall. From pumpkin patches where families can pick their own pumpkins to festivals featuring pumpkin carving and pumpkin-themed treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the gourd-geous autumn season. So don your favorite flannel, gather your family, and join in the fun—because pumpkin chuckin’ isn’t just about flinging gourds; it’s about coming together to celebrate the creativity, community and joy that define the fall season. •
