First Annual Punkin Chunkin’ Contest!

Eugene Maker Space will be holding it’s first ever Punkin Chunkin’ contest!  If you aren’t familiar with the tradition of punkin chunkin’ then you are in for a treat.  The general idea is for teams to build contraptions that can launch pumpkins as far as possible.  Whichever team can launch their pumpkins the farthest will reign as champions!  A simple Google search for “punkin chunkin” will bring up plenty of information and videos of other contests and designs.

Since we will be holding this event at the Science Factory, and we want to make sure it’s as safe as possible, we will be launching small pumpkins only.  These are pumpkins weighing between 1.5lbs and 2lbs. This will help keep the contraption size and energy down to a minimum and hopefully prevent any dangerous mishaps.

Details

Where: The Science Factory front yard
Day: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm (or whenever we are finished!)

Launch Zone

You can see the launch zone in the below picture.  Contestants will launch from the blue firing line aiming down range to the east.  The first red box is the primary launch zone.  “The Great Beyond” is further down range and will remain clear in case any contestants are capable of building launchers that can actually chunk that far.

How to enter

You do not have to be a member of Eugene Maker Space to compete.  Everyone is allowed to participate!   If you would like to sign up to compete, please email rick@eugenemakerspace.com with your team name and the names of your team members.

Now for the official EMS Punkin Chunkin’ rules!

Safety

1. No compressed air/compressed gas devices
2. No explosives.
3. Teams must release all energy from their launchers until it is their turn.

Contest Rules

1. You may sign up as an individual or as a team.
2. Machine must not cross the firing line.
3. Machines must be ready to fire within 3 minutes.
4. Each team will get three launches.
5. If a team loses a pumpkin after launch they may get an one extra try if the team has a backup pumpkin ready to go.
6. Pumpkins must weigh between 1.5lbs and 2lbs.
7. Teams provide their own pumpkins.
8. Pumpkins must remain intact until they hit the ground.
9. Pumpkins cannot be modified (except for painting).
10. Teams may paint their pumpkins for decoration.

How to Win 

To win the competition you just need to chunk your pumpkin farther than the other teams.  That’s it!  There will be three heats.  Whichever team gets the furthest launched pumpkin out of all three heats will be declared the champions.