Purdue Polytechnic in New Albany’s annual Pumpkin Chunking event drew large crowds for an evening of engineering ingenuity and fun, which even captured the attention of a national sports network.
The event, which showcases student and community-built trebuchets launching pumpkins at distant targets, saw significant growth this year. According to Joseph Dues, site director for Purdue Polytechnic New Albany, the event may even get national exposure. A crew from Go Live Sports Cast, based in Detroit, filmed the competition for potential inclusion on "The Ocho," a show that airs on ESPN.
This year's competition featured 10 teams, a 25% increase from last year, including a team that traveled from Fort Wayne, Indiana. The high school division was particularly popular, with five teams participating—a 67% increase from the previous year. Throughout the event, 100 pumpkins were launched by the machines.
Beyond the main competition, the event offered a festival-like atmosphere for all ages. The "Mind over Splatter" display exploded 40 pumpkins, and a pumpkin painting station was so popular that all 400 pumpkins were decorated by children. Attendees also enjoyed offerings from six local food trucks.
The event served as a major recruiting and engagement opportunity for Purdue Polytechnic. Prospective students and groups from local schools toured the campus classrooms and labs. The event also hosted an alumni social, which was attended by 36 alumni and their families.
The success of the event was a community-wide effort. Other participating groups included the Kentucky Science Center, the Floyd County Extension Office, New Albany High School ROTC, and American Legion Post #28, which also provided financial support. The New Albany Fire Department, EMS, and Police Department were also present to ensure safety.
Dues extended special thanks to the internal team who organized the event, including Trina Ruby, Christy Snip, Paul Hagmann, Rustin Webster, Damon Sisk and Allison Buddemeyer for their respective roles in managing vendors, promotions, logistics, alumni social media and event activities.
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