Calling All Engineers and Builders: Annual Pumpkin Launch Competition Seeks Talent to Propel Fall Fun

Bloomington Parks and Recreation needs creative builders, inventors, and engineers to build mechanical devices for the annual Bloomington Pumpkin Launch competition at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W. Airport Rd., on Oct. 26.

There is no cost to enter the Pumpkin Launch competition, but launch devices must be registered by Oct. 18. Launching devices must be built or made by the launch teams, and must be mechanical in nature; no fuel, compressed air, electricity, explosives or other chemical components, or any other fluids including but not limited to oil, water, and hydraulic fluid.
 
Launch devices may be operated by teams of no more than six people. There are three launch device divisions: Youth (ages 16 yrs. and younger); Student (high school or college students); and Adult.  ​

Teams must bring at least eight pumpkins, weighing between five and eight pounds each, for the competitions. Teams may bring extra pumpkins for practice shots and for a group shot at the end of the event.
 
Other activities planned to take place during the Bloomington Pumpkin Launch include food trucks, children’s activities, and live music.
 
The Bloomington Pumpkin Launch is presented by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department and is proudly sponsored by GigabitNow, IU Credit Union, and Toppers Pizza.
 
Register a launch device and find a complete list of launch device regulations online or contact Bill Ream at 812-349-3748 or email [email protected] for more information.