Pumpkinpalooza
by Bea Peterson
History websites state that catapults were originated in China around the third and fourth century BC. The first catapults were much like a big crossbow. They stood around 8 feet tall. What turned them into the design seen most often in books is the swinging arm mounted on a pivot. The crossbow string itself is not used to fire the projectile, it is used to move the arm which holds the projectile. Greeks and Romans used them. Almost every movie dealing with the middle ages shows them. Gunpowder and artillery made these humongous weapons obsolete… until now.
One of the many activities during Pumpkinpalooza was the Punkin Chuckin contest. The contestants spent months building and perfecting their catapults to hurl small pumpkins toward a target. Everything they ever learned in science classes was put to use for their project. The accuracy of the weapons was impressive. Organizer Tony Malikowski expects the contest next year to be bigger and better.
Pumpkinpalooza began Saturday with a 5k race, followed by a fun run for the kids. Events included pumpkin pie eating, sack races, laser tag, pumpkin roll and a bike safety rodeo. There were vendors, kids games and music and much more in Wood Park and other events in the Town Park. A hay wagon took folks from one site to the other.
In the Chili Cook-off Ken Wickenden was the Judge’s Choice and John Perry was the People’s Choice. Larry Bugbee of Hoosick Falls had the Largest Pumpkin and the Hoosick Scouts had the Best Scarecrow.
The day concluded with the Harvest Moon Under the Stars dinner at the Hoosick Youth and Community Center.
“Overall the weekend was a tremendous success thanks to overwhelming support from the community,” said event organizer Beth Dillard. “Sixty-six young people worked all day on various events. They were fantastic.”
The organizing committee has worked since May to organize Pumpkinpalooza and see that it went smoothly and was great fun for everyone. They achieved their goal, for sure.
For more information on the event visit hoosickyouth.org. Pumpkinpalooza posters, cookbooks, aprons, bags and T-shirts are still available for purchase.
Next year Pumpkinpalooza will be held on Saturday, September 25. Don’t miss it!
