Delaware’s Punkin Chunkin event cancelled

The marquee Delaware event since 1986 won’t be held this year. 

The pumpkins will not be flying this year after logistical problems in moving the annual Punkin Chunkin event to Dover International Speedway.

Earlier this summer, World Championship Punkin Chunkin leaders announced a deal to move the event from its traditional home in Bridgeville to Dover. Organizers were forced to find a new home after the property it had been held on was unable to host it anymore.

But because of the size of the event which draws thousands, leaders at the track and with the competition announced Friday that they would be unable to get the grounds ready in time.

“Moving an event the size of Punkin Chunkin is not easy even when time is not a factor,” said John Huber, World Championship Punkin Chunkin president. “Both the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association and Dover International Speedway were cautiously optimistic that the event would happen as scheduled. Ultimately, the collective decision was made to postpone the event.”

Huber said the pumpkin tossing will be held next year on the same speedway-owned fields that hosted 80,000 music fans at the Firefly Festival this summer. “With one year of lead time, we are confident we can pull off a first-class event for fans, sponsors and competitors.”

Anyone who purchased the $10 tickets to attend this year’s event will get a refund on their credit card within two weeks. Anyone with questions about refunds can call 800-441-7223.