Even though the temperature still feels like late summer, Fall has arrived and all of its signs are here: the changing leaves, the stores filled with Halloween costumes and candies, and, of course, flying pumpkins.
If that last item seems strange, ita s because youa ve never taken the opportunity to venture out to the Punkina Chunkina Festival, a family fun-time event with free admission and free parking, happening this year at October 16th, 10am-5pm, at Bald Eagle State Park.
What is punkina chunkina ? Well, ita s the name given to tossing a pumpkin-excuse me, punkina - as far as you possibly can, and youa d be amazed at how far they can go. The world record (yes, there are world records for punkina chunkina ) is over 4,000 feet. Who wouldna t want to see that??
Come to the festival and watch in amazement as ten different teams, some of them world record holders, launch these punkins into the lake, using catapults, trebuchets, and air cannons. Delight as the orange gourds rocket across the sky, and marvel as some even hit targets set up in the lake.
If it were only an aerial assault of these jack-o-lanterns in waiting, that might be plenty, but the Punkina Chunkina Festival is so much more. There are hayrides through the park, mini-launchers so that kids can fire off their own pumpkins, and an old-fashioned pie-eating contest!
While the kids are playing, take the time to stock up for all things Autumn and Halloween by browsing the wares of more than 50 local craft vendors. When you and the family are hungry from all the excitement, grab a meal from your choice of over 25 food vendors.
But thata s not all. Therea s also chainsaw carving, Smokey Bear, and educational displays from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Bald Eagle Power Squadron. Therea s even a farmera s market with local gourmet cheeses, maple syrup and cotton candy, and, of course, pumpkins and gourds.
The 2021 Punkina Chunkina Festival will feature new activities for the younger children who attend, and the commemorative t-shirt for the event has a brand new design. Past t-shirts have been collectora s items for those who attend the festival, and this yeara s model has a new design that features a a largemouth bass coming straight up to snag a pumpkin landing in the water!a Supplies will be limited so get there early to grab one of these very special shirts.
The festival is the main fundraising event for the Howard Volunteer Fire Company, paying 25% of their annual budget. You can even sponsor a pumpkin for $100, and the name of the sponsor is announced before each launch. George Demchak, founder of the festival, notes that a goodwill donations are gladly accepted,a and, at the Howard Volunteer Fire Company, a we truly value the support of the public.a
Come on out to Bald Eagle and watch the leaves and punkins fall at this very special festival!
