WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Pumpkin Chuckers Compete in Cambridge

Pumpkin Chuckers Compete in Cambridge

Cambridge, Vermont - October 4, 2009

Harvest season in Vermont. With the pumpkins picked, people make plans for the fall fruit. Some more common than others.

"I'd carve them and make them into decorations for jack-o-lanterns," said Jayden Lepsic, eyeing a nearby pile of pumpkins.

"I'm not much of a pumpkin pie maker, I don't think," said Jazz. "I might as well chuck them."

Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and adults with a need to see fruit fly -- competed in the Pumpkin Chucking Contest at Boyden Farms in Cambridge. "Just for the fun of seeing something hurl," said Dave Jordan, one of the participating chuckers.

Hand-made trebuchets launch the gourds. The greater the distance, the louder the applause.

Other fruit past their sell-by dates made brief appearances too -- before becoming fruit salad in the field. "If you have old food that isn't good for eating, fling it! Get it busted!" said Jayden.

Some trebuchets worked better than others. A few misfires sent fruit flying backwards. And then, the real crowd pleaser. The monster of all trebuchets rolled in. Kids could hardly wait. Adults -- anxious too. And the launch did not disappoint -- a whopping 220 feet.

But the real winner here is the Lamoille Family Center. The Pumpkin Chucking Contest -- put on the by local rotary club -- was a benefit. Good fun for a good cause. Just keep your eye on the sky during this fundraiser -- and consider a helmet.

Darren Perron - WCAX News