The community of Union welcomed the Fall season at its annual “PumpkinFest,” a month-long fall harvest celebration at Hunter Farms in Union, Washington. Visitors that came from far and wide joined in the activities, with a featured event to celebrate the pumpkin – the Pumpkin Catapult Contest on Saturday, October 29, 12:00 – 2:00 pm, followed by live music. Families, community members and visitors delighted in the bountiful harvest, food vendors and entertainment at Hunter Farms. The public visited the pumpkin patch, got lost in the corn and hay mazes, took old-fashioned tractor hayrides, wandered the petting zoo and picked up local attraction information at the North Mason Chamber Visitors Center.

Two groups, West Sound Technical Skills Center “CHUCK IT” of Bremerton; and Rainier High School “SKILLS USA” of Olympia entered the contest this year, though only West Sound Tech thrilled the spectators with flying pumpkins. An unfortunate accident broke the Rainier High Schools catapult and led them to forfeit the contest. The student’s wood-crafted trebuchets enhanced skill and teamwork. The students continued to have fun although there wasn’t much competition. Originally meant to be judged by special dignitaries including Congressman Derek Kilmer, Mason County Commissioners Sharon Trask and Kevin Shutty, State Representatives Dan Griffey and Drew MacEwen and North Mason Chamber of Commerce Board Secretary Greg Oldham.

West Sound Tech sent pumpkins hurling up to 283 feet, while demonstrating great teamwork and safety. Thank you to Hunter Farms for co-hosting this event and providing the pumpkins, hurling field and awards.

Be ready for next year! We’ll have even more teams and more fun! Take a look at the photos and videos from this years event: