Pumpkins fly at the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival
Crowds gathered and spectators came from as far away as England’s Isle of Wight for the seventh annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival and Chili Cook-off.
Delia Blackman from the Isle of Wight, her son, Rotary member and competitor, Justin Blackman, and his teammate, Vaughn Winter at the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival, Snowflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe, Vermont
The event was held on the beautiful grounds of the Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, 1746 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont.
Do-it-yourself mechanical wizards flung pumpkins with their trebuchets.
smashing pumpkin, Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival, Snowflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe, Vermont
Trebuchets were used in siege warfare to hurl stones, firebrands, and other missiles over castle walls during the Middle Ages. The invention of cannons made them obsolete.
For this event, however, the trebuchets of all descriptions were the focus of a family-friendly event held to benefit the Lamoille Family Center in Morrisville.
Admission was $5. Parking was free, and there was a free shuttle from parking area for this increasingly popular event.
The three rounds of competitions were at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. for the four categories: lightweight, middleweight junior, middleweight open, and heavyweight. Height and weight limits even out the competition.
In addition to trophies, cash prizes were awarded in each category. The winner for best design is the team whose pumpkin is hurled the farthest after adjusting for the trebuchet’s height.
There were children’s activities and music provided by two bands, House Dunn and John Smyth.
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa sold food, wine, and beer.
For a $5 fee people sampled every competitor’s chili entry in Chili Cook-off and voted for first, second and third place. Winners were awarded $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place.
To view the results of this year’s competition or to register for or obtain additional information about next year’s festival go to the event’s website or contact Dave Jordan, 603-630-4800, djordan@gmavt.net.
The festival benefits the Lamoille Family Center, which welcomes, nurtures, and provides supports for families. It has been providing early care, educational services, home visiting, parent education, playgrounds, child care resource and referral, youth services, and emergency assistance for families in the Lamoille Valley for 39 years.
