Brochure - MortonMagnet
Transcription
Brochure - MortonMagnet
At The Pumpkin Farm, 16339 N. Springfield Rd., located at the corner of Allentown & Springfield Roads, rural Groveland, near Morton IL. Take I-155 to the Broadway exit south of Morton, go about 4 miles to Springfield Rd., turn left and about 1mile you will reach Punkin Chuckin. Just watch for the signs! Director of Tourism 200 S. First Ave Morton, Illinois 61550 Where will we Chuck ‘Em? Admission- $5.00 per vehicle Susan Pyles Director of Tourism 200 S. First Ave Morton, Illinois 61550 www.morton-il.gov www.mortonmagnet.com Phone: 309-266-5135 Email: spyles@morton-il.gov 309-266-5135 www.morton-il.gov www.mortonmagnet.com What in the World Is a Punkin Chuckin’ Contest? The Morton Punkin Chuckin’ Contest, sponsored by four Morton service associations, is patterned after the similar event held in Lewes, Delaware and was started in Morton in 1996. The Lewes World Championship Punkin Chunkin’ began in 1986 when a group of men sat in a local blacksmith shop arguing over who could throw an anvil the farthest. Somehow anvils became pumpkins, and Punkin Chunkin’ was born. Today, participants of all ages build machines which are used to hurl pumpkins as far as possible. Trophies are awarded for the longest chuck in each category. A traveling trophy is awarded as well, to the overall contest winner. Morton’s event has received national and international recognition in several publications such as The London Times, Newsweek, Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated and The Wall Street Journal (front page) as well as being featured in a high school math book! In addition, the Q36 established a Guinness Book World Record at the 2001 Contest with a chuck of 4,491 feet. In 2002 they threw 4859 ft. They have appeared on the David Letterman show as a guest. Their hope, as well as the hope of the other Air Cannon contestants, is to throw the elusive mile. The Acme Catapult Company is another local team that has performed on the national stage. Their appearance on Leno was highlighted by Dolly Parton launching a basket of honeydew melons. They have tossed appliances, bowling balls, and thousand of pumpkins in the last 20 years. A variety of machines participate in the Morton contest: catapults, trebuchets, and some whose category needs to be determined upon their arrival. A hand tossed event is offered for those of us who can’t build a machine. Folks of all ages will find something of interest, like the pulled pork sandwiches, Pumpkin Chili, Pumpkin Funnel Cakes or muffins. Carnival rides, and activities offer a taste of country fun and excitement to the day. Bring your lawn chairs & join us for this different Fall event. PUNKIN CHUCKIN’ - bringing agriculture and engineering together for the fun of it!