Oakland County Parks and Recreation invites teams and individuals to compete in Michigan’s largest pumpkin launching contest, the Lake Orion Pumpkin Launch, Saturday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Orion Oaks County Park.
“This is a unique educational opportunity that promotes physics, science and engineering,” Mike Toth, event coordinator and founder of Oakland Ballistics, said. “We’re happy to bring something so fun and different to the community.”
Participants age 15 and under compete in the Junior Division. All ages are welcome to compete in the Open Division. Pumpkin-launching participants are required to bring their own trebuchet. Awards will be presented to winners in each age category.
“Last year the farthest winning launch was more than 800 feet,” Toth said. “We predict that some teams will launch over 1,000 feet this year.”
Families and friends can watch the pumpkin launch and check out trebuchet machines throughout the event. Oakland Ballistics is a local group that builds and sells medieval devices, such as pumpkin-launching trebuchets.
Guests will receive promotional items and free pumpkins to take home.
Registration is $25/team. Daily park pass or Annual Vehicle Permit is required for park entry.
To register, visit www.orion.lib.mi.us/township/parksrec/parks.html and click on Registration. For more information about the event, contact Toth at 248-961-3362 or visit www.oaklandballistics.com/lopl.
Orion Oaks County Park is located at 2301 Clarkston Road in Lake Orion.
For Oakland County Parks and Recreation event schedules and more, visit DestinationOakland.com.
photo: The Boston Globe
