The field will be muddy, but pumpkins will be flying over the Sussex sky this weekend. World Championship Punkin Chunkin takes place Nov. 3-4 on the Wheatley Farm off Route 404 near Bridgeville. Competition is set to begin at 8 a.m. each day. Friday's competition was called off to let the field dry.
This past week I've been watching re-runs of “The Road to Punkin Chunkin” on The Science Channel just to get in the mood for three days of craziness. It amazes me what people go through to create their machines.
Because it's become such a TV event, the rest of the media doesn't get much respect. TV crews are permitted to go anywhere they want without any hassle. It's not the same story for the rest of us as we try to sneak around and find spots to take photographs.
Even so, the event gets some kind of strange grip on you that keeps you coming back.
I'll be there among the tens of thousands this weekend keeping an eye upward, and in my case behind me so I don't get run over by one of the dozens of ATVs and golf carts running all over the place.
The cast of characters who come from places unknown are the heart and soul of Punkin Chunkin. I've included just a few with this blog.
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Ron MacArthur has lived and worked in Sussex County all his life. As a journalist for nearly 50 years, he has covered everything from county and town meetings to presidential visits. He also has a unique perspective having served as an elected official and lived on both sides of the county.
Contact Ron at ronm@capegazette.com
