Punkin' Chunkin' 2011

Canons. Trebuchets. Slingshots.

All ways you can use to try to shoot a pumpkin into the sky as far as you possibly can...?

That's what happens at Punkin' Chunkin', anyway!

The first weekend in November is the annual event. It's a big deal, filled with 50,000+ people who come out from all over the country both to participate and watch. The Discovery Channel even comes each year and films for a special episode they air on Thanksgiving.

Seriously, thousands of people piling into a huge cornfield to launch pumpkins?

Awesome.

We tried to go last year, but the hour long line of cars waiting on long country roads was more than we had patience for. So this year we planned ahead and went early in the morning. It was SO cold! And by so cold, I mean probably in the 30s. We're kind of spoiled here.

We saw a grand total of three pumpkins launch the entire time we were there. They go so far and so fast it's hard to even see them. The farthest distance one of the canons shot a pumpkin was almost a mile. So what do 50,000 people do if they can't see what's going on? Drink, of course. Seriously, I think most people come just for the tailgating. It was like NASCAR minus the racing. Last year we saw people selling t-shirts that said "Punkin' Chunkin' 2010--Let's Get Smashed." Hahaha, yep. That's basically what happens.

Steve's entire department and their families were invited to a tailgate put together by a client. We had a really good time. We enjoyed trying to find the trebuchets that were going off one at a time so we could actually see a "punkin'" being "chunked"; walking past all the food and merchandise vendors; listening to the bands play on the stage; eating LOTS of food; laughing at Jaden as he experienced s'mores and Cheetos for the first time; spending time with friends, work associates and acquaintances by a much appreciated campfire; and the Pampers diaper changing station (I am a HUGE fan of that thing that manages to show up at all major events).

Some things we didn't enjoy: hearing the f-bomb more times in one day than I've probably heard in my entire life; long lines for icky porta-potties; and being out with a baby in the cold for so long without a stroller (my bad). Other than that, we had a great time! I probably wouldn't take kids between the ages of 6 and oh, probably 21. Or maybe I'm just not used to a redneck, country atmosphere and I just need to be corrupted a little more? Hmm, no thanks :). I had to laugh at this sign, though. Kathryn, if you're reading this, this sign totally reminded me of you, hahaha :).

Anyway, here's Punkin' Chunkin' in pictures. It's definitely an experience we couldn't pass up! Redneck for sure, but oh so fun!