The Howard Volunteer Fire Department on Saturday present its main fundraiser for the year — the Punkin’ Chunkin’ Festival at Bald Eagle State Park — from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but goodwill offerings will be accepted.
“This year will be bigger and better than ever,” said George Demchak, who founded the festival in 2011. “This is a family-friendly atmosphere that will provide attendees with good food, family fun, music and shopping. A wood carver is going to display his skill and a magician will amaze the visitors.”
The local event has been recognized by the World Championship Punkin’ Chunkin Association, which is sponsoring the world championships in Bridgeville, Del., Friday, Nov. 4, through Sunday, Nov. 6. The championships can be viewed on Discovery Science Channel on Saturday, Nov. 26. The punkin’ chunkin’ is a celebration of backyard engineers, innovation and science, according to the network.
During the first year of the Howard FD festival, there were only two machines to handle the chunkin’. This year, there will be seven. There are different types, including air-powered cannons, human-powered cannons and the trebuchet, which drops 900 pounds of concrete for its launching force.
There are mini-launchers, too, which will be available for visitors to try their hand at chunkin’ a pumpkin. “The pumpkins, that are ornamental only, are hurled at breakneck speed into the water,” said Demchak. “Two boats are circling to pick the pieces out of the water. The remains will return to the Amish farmers who supply the pumpkins as food for their pigs.” There is a small charge for the mini-launching.
“Fat Jimmy,” a punkin’ chunkin’ personality, will attend the festival. He has been featured on Discovery Channel and on NBC with his punkin’ chunkin’ machine.
“The Smokin’ Lamas,” who have a centrifugal force launcher, will be attending, too. They hail from southeastern Pennsylvania.
According to Demchak, the Howard Fire Department is hoping for a great turnout, but whether 10 or hundreds attend, it promises to be a good time.
