Launch Device Engineers, Builders Needed for Annual Pumpkin Launch Competition

Bloomington Parks and Recreation is seeking entries for the Bloomington Pumpkin Launch, and needs creative builders, inventors, and engineers to build pumpkin launching devices for the competition Oct. 22.
 
The Bloomington Pumpkin Launch takes place at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, 5700 W. Airport Rd. Gates open and activities begin at 11 a.m.; pumpkin launching begins at noon. Spectator admission is $10 per vehicle.
 
Launch builders must register their devices by Oct. 14. Launch devices may be entered in one of three categories: youth (ages 16 yrs. and younger); student (high school or college students); or adult. Launching devices must be built or made by the participant, and must be mechanical in nature. Launchers may not use fuel, compressed air, electricity, explosives or other chemical components, or any other fluids including but not limited to oil, water, and hydraulic fluid.

Entry fee is $25 per team. There is a limit of six members per pumpkin launch team. 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.
 
Several 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 Regional Land Title, IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, and Sandi Taylor Hometown Insurance.
 
For more information about the Bloomington Pumpkin Launch, or to receive a pumpkin launcher registration form, contact Bill Ream, community events coordinator, at 812.349.3748 or email [email protected]. A complete list of launch device guidelines and regulations can be found on the Pumpkin Launch website at bloomington.in.gov/pumpkinlaunch.