Morton ready to let gourds fly

Morton tourism officials and gourd hurdlers alike are thrilled that Punkin' Chuckin' will be back this year.

The Morton Chamber of Commerce had announced in July that it would no longer organize the nationally known contest. But a coalition of five business and service organizations joined forces in August to keep this year's planned festivities.

Thanks to the revival, dozens of contraptions will fling pumpkins for thousands of spectators at the 11th annual Punkin' Chuckin' on Saturday and Sunday at the Uhlman farm at the corner of Allentown and Springfield roads in rural Morton.

Susan Pyles, Morton's new director of tourism, was in charge of Punkin' Chuckin' for the past seven years while she was events coordinator for the chamber of commerce. She orchestrated its return.

"Everyone is happy that Punkin' Chuckin' wasn't canceled," Pyles said. "Where else can you find something that brings so much national media attention to a small community in central Illinois?"

With the Morton Business Association, Morton Hospitality Association, Morton Jaycees, Morton Kiwanis Club and Morton Knights of Columbus dividing responsibilities and providing volunteer help, Pyles is confident Punkin' Chuckin' will run smoothly despite the short time for planning.

"Plus, several of the new volunteers are offering fresh insights into the event," she said. "We're not making any major changes to Punkin' Chuckin' this year, but we'll look at some suggestions for next year."

There won't be a 17-acre corn maze this year, but the familiar foods, children's games, and sales of pumpkins and fall decorations will return.

Punkin' Chuckin' competition divisions include hand-tossed and human-powered. The open division is divided into trebuchet (gravity propulsion), catapult, centrifugal and air cannon. No explosives can be used, and a pumpkin must leave a machine intact.

The event normally clears about a $6,000 profit. This year's profits will be split among the five sponsoring organizations.

Steve Stein can be reached at 686-3114 or news@pjstar.com.

If You Go

What: 11th annual Morton Punkin' Chuckin' Contest.

When: Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., with chucking starting at noon and continuing until about 5:30 p.m. both days.

Where: Uhlman family farm, corner of Springfield and Allentown roads.

Admission: Free. Parking is $5 per vehicle, per day.

Food tent: Opens at 10 a.m. each day. Offerings include pumpkin funnel cakes, pumpkin ice cream, steak sandwiches, hot dogs and French fries.

Competition entry fees: $1 for hand-tossed to $35 for open division.

Registration: Contact Morton Director of Tourism Susan Pyles at 266-5135 or spyles@morton-il.gov.