(File Photo) Mark Harris loads a pumpkin onto a catapult (trebuchet) at Washington State College of Ohio in Marietta during last years’ annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ event. Organizers wanted to show off aspects of math and science as they launched pumpkins – many used jack-o’-lanterns – for fun into the air as they tried to hit a junked car.

Washington State College of Ohio invites the community to bring their leftover jack-o’-lanterns and join in on the second annual Pumpkin Chuckin’.

The event will be from 3-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and will also include games, food trucks, live music and a new catapult cornhole contest.

Pumpkin Chuckin’ is a recreational activity and competitive sport that takes inspiration from medieval trebuchets to launch pumpkins into the sky, aiming for maximum distance or precision. Instead of letting leftover jack-o’-lanterns go to waste, people gather to see how far their pumpkins can fly. For those who don’t have pumpkins, WSCO will provide them.

After the fun of launching the pumpkins, they are left for the deer and other wildlife on the campus to enjoy, with any remaining pieces naturally composting back into the earth.

This year, WSCO is inviting high schools and the community to team up for their new Catapult Cornhole contest. Build a catapult (or use the WSCO catapult) to launch five cornhole bags at a giant 4’x8′ board, 200 feet away. The winning team will receive a $200 gift card and the first Catapult Cornhole championship belt. Contestants for the Catapult Cornhole contest must pre-register and bring tools for fixes. You may send an email to bharris1@wscc.edu to register.

(File Photo) Crews at Washington State College of Ohio get the catapult (trebuchet) ready Saturday to launch pumpkins during the second annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ event. The day included food trucks, live music, activities for the kids and more, with regular pumpkin launches throughout the event.

By participating in the Pumpkin Chuckin’ event, all attendees and participants agree to abide by certain rules and regulations. Failure to comply with the rules may result in disqualification or removal from the event premises.

If you have any further questions or require additional information, contact Washington State College of Ohio through wsco.edu contact Ben Harris at bharris1@wwscc.edu. You may also find out more by visiting https://www.wsco.edu/news/pumpkin-chuckin-2025/.