What is Jack-O-Launch and Pumpkinfest?

On an October Saturday at DeLaney Community Farm, pumpkins were launched into the sky by a variety of human-powered catapults, trebuchets and air cannons. Over a dozen teams competed while thousands watched at the 9th Annual Jack-O-Launch — part of Aurora’s annual PumpkinFest. Launch contestants combined engineering mastery and whimsical pageantry with a healthy dose of old-fashioned elbow grease to prepare themselves for the competition. They were judged on distance, accuracy, team presentation, machine design and sportsmanship. The challenge drew eclectic and innovative competitors who entertained all with their machines, elaborate costumes and theatrics.

In addition to the thrills of high-flying pumpkins, Pumpkin Fest participants indulged in pumpkin decorating, crossstitching, candle making and crafting cornhusk dolls. Stilt walking, sack races, a pumpkin obstacle course, apple jumping and a hay bale maze kept everyone busy. The day was filled with food, festive music, farm animals, a pumpkin patch and DUG’s market stand.

2007 Jack-O-Launch Results
Trebuchet Division
First . . . . . . . . . . U.S.S. Nuclear Pumpkins
Second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Draco
Third . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chumkin Puckers

Compressed Air Canon Division
First . . . . . . . . . . . . .BodyGuard Arachnids
Second . . .Dick Cheney's Wild Safari “Animals Strike Back”
Third . . . . . . . .Denver Mad Scientists Club

Catapult Division
First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .No Trebs Perfect
Second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Plod IV

Human Powered Division
First . . . . . . . . . .Thurman Munson (#15), Cory Lidle (#30), School of Flying

Youth Division
First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .East Ghetto-pult
Second . . . . . . . . . . . .Rapscallion Raptors
 

Check out one team's website, The Hurling Pumpkins