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Smashin' Punkin'

The annual Morton Punkin' Chuckin' Contest has been cancelled! And no rescheduling, either, it's just off this year.

On their site, the reason given is muddy field conditions.

Pity, on Saturday, you could've fit in Punkin' Chuckin' (pumpkin tossing), and made it back in time for the Leathernecks hosting Indiana State at Hanson Field (pigskin tossing).

If you're not already familiar, the competition is pretty heavy duty. There is, as you might picture, hand tossing of pumpkins, but everybody shows up for the air cannon and catapult categories.

Check out a video from a previous year for a taste.

While on YouTube, there's also this footage of the Guinness World Record holders from Morton, Illinois, the Aludium Q36 Pumpkin Modulator team. They have the record right now for the longest toss of 4,859 feet (by air cannon).

Earlier this week, the Journal Star had posted a story about the contest: "It has been canceled twice, once because it didn't have a suitable venue, and in 2009 because heavy summer rains prevented crops from being harvested." Make that thrice.

If you're willing to spend a bit longer in the car to make the trip, the 2012 World Championship Punkin' Chunkin' is in Delaware, and is still on for November 2!

Far Flung

Pumpkin Catapult

The Morton Punkin' Chuckin' Contest is (usually) an annual event.