The Big 10 Inch pumpkin cannon crew would like to express our sincere thanks to the many folks and sponsors from the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest who freely gave their time and services to support our participation and make it a success. We never cease to be amazed at the ready willingness to lend a hand or locate a part, or unhesitatingly adopt us as a member of the community with a warmth normally reserved for long lost friends.

Saturday’s hurl-off was well organized and carried out without a hitch. Onlookers were treated to an awesome demonstration of power as they watched pumpkins fly over 4,000 feet into Great Salt Bay. Hard hats off to the American Chunker team for demonstrating that they have quickly come of age by out-shooting a 3-time World Champion. While we were hoping for a different outcome, we appreciate that the only good preparation for competition is competition, and we’ll both be better prepared for the World Championships next month thanks to the hurl-off.

On Sunday, the Big 10 Inch took aim at a Ford Ranger and set a personal best – we successfully targeted the vehicle 21 times! The crowd of thousands was willing and eager to help – 15 families decided they wanted to take a crack at the Ranger. The joy expressed on a child’s face after blowing a 10 pound pumpkin through a car door is second to none.

We’re happy to report that we had a blast blasting the skies with American Chunker on Saturday and demolishing a hapless Ford Ranger on Sunday–we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We hope that the only negative impact of our boisterous behavior was to seriously reduce the Ranger’s re-sale value.

We’re looking forward to doing it again next year. To show that we’re non-discriminatory, we suggest a Chevy panel truck.

Thanks again,
Ralph Eschborn
Captain
The Big 10 Inch