HAYC3 Prepares For Pumpkinpalooza 4

Pumpkins, laughter, zombies, and art will be filling the air in Hoosick Falls during the Fourth Annual Pumpkinpalooza, set for the weekend of September 29 to 30. This family-friendly community event is a pride and tradition initiative organized by HAYC3 and sponsored by the Drug Free Communities grant.  Rain date is Sunday, September 30.
Punkin’ Chunkin’
Headlining this celebration will be the area’s only Punkin’ Chunkin’ competition.  This thrilling exposition of manmade machines will take place at the Town of Hoosick Athletic Fields on Main Street on Saturday, September 29.  Teams are invited to build a non-motorized pumpkin hurling machine to enter into the contest.  Each machine will have six chances to hurl small pumpkins at targets set up 100 to 250 feet away. Points are earned based on accuracy and distance, and the team earning the most points wins $250!  Typically, “siege” machines such as catapults, trebuchets, onagers, ballistas, mangonels and other stored energy launchers are used.  Spectators are welcome and encouraged to watch.
Teams can represent area high schools, colleges, businesses, churches, groups, and families.  For information on registering a team in the competition and for a list of rules, e-mail contact@hoosickyouth.org, or call 518-686-9050.
Chili Cook-off
Area restaurants, clubs, families, friends, professional cooks and anyone with a spectacular chili recipe are welcome to enter the Hoosick Pumpkinpalooza Chili Cook-off.  The taste testing begins at 12 noon on September 29 at the Town Athletic Fields (look for the tent near the skating rink).  Each entrant will supply four quarts of his or her decadent chili dishes for sampling by the judges and the public.  There is a small admission fee to sample the chili entries, and each sampler gets to cast a vote for the “Crowd Favorite” award.  The event winner, selected by a panel of judges, will win a trophy and $100.  The Crowd Favorite earns bragging rights and a trophy.  To enter the chili cook-off, call 518-686-9050 or e-mail contact@hoosickyouth.org.
5K Road Race
The Pumpkinpalooza 5K Race will begin and end at Wood Memorial Park starting at 9  am on Saturday, September 29.  The course weaves through the Village of Hoosick Falls and includes small hills, straight-aways, and few turns, as well as a nice stretch along the Hoosic River.  The first 50 registrants will receive an official Pumpkinpalooza t-shirt.  Race day registration is available beginning at 7:30 am, but advance registration is encouraged.  Visit www.HAYC3.org for details on registration.
Zombie Fun Run
Following the 5K race, there will be a Zombie Fun Run.  Kids and families will dress up like zombies with locked knees and arms stretched straight out in front of them to race around Wood Park.  That run begins at 10 am.  There is no fee to enter the Zombie Fun Run, and all finishers will receive a ribbon.  Prizes will be awarded to the best Zombie costumes.
Sponsors And Volunteers
Many sponsorship opportunities are available to support Pumpkinpalooza 4, with some costing as little as $25.  Sponsorships are assigned on a first-come first-served basis.  Please visit www.HAYC3.org for a complete list of sponsorships.  Volunteer support is also needed.  If you are interested in showing your support for Pumpkinpalooza 4, please call HAYC3 at 518-686-9050.