Punkin Chunkin on - without Science Channel

Organizers of World Championship Punkin Chunkin announced Feb. 11 the event will return to Bridgeville in November, without the support of The Science Channel.

This is the first public announcement about the event since a television producer was critically injured at the 2016 event.

“In the past months, there has been a lot of speculation as to the future of our association and world championship event,” a press release said, adding that the Science Channel will not return this year.

On Nov. 6, on the last day of the weekend-long Chunk's debut after a 2-year hiatus, an air cannon malfunctioned, blowing off a trap door that hit a 39-year-old female producer working with the Science Channel in the head and face.

The event will return to Wheatley's Farm in Bridgeville, Friday, Nov. 3, through Sunday, Nov. 5.

The departure of the Science Channel has prompted organizers to seek additional partners to fill in a funding gap. But the event will go on.

“We will be moving forward this year,” the press release said. “There is too much at stake to give up now.”

For more information, email info@punkinchunkin.com or visit www.punkinchunkin.com.