The Air Force Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program sponsors the event to encourage younth participation.
“We’re trying to develop our junior work force and encourage these guys to come work for the Air Force one day,” said Pumpkin Chuck event coordinator Travis Flanagan in between voicing the countdown for multiple pumping launches.
More than 40 participants operated 12 chucking machines to smash pumpkins. The chucking machines are placed into classes related to the size of pumpkin they can chuck. Class A: 8-10 pound gourds, Class B: 2-3 pound gourds and Class C: human/team powered machines.
“Our Class A machines fire about 3,800 feet,” Flanagan said. “And our Class B’s have been averaging probably about 600 feet.”
“Actually, the turnout today is unbelievable. I though today was going to be a rainy day but people still came out and we love it. Next year our goal is to grow the event bigger. We’re going to reach out to a lot more high schools and maybe extend it through the weekend,” Flanagan added.
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