Flying Pumpkins Expected at Hyde Park School

By Robin Gee

Story revised from previous version.

Have you ever wondered what to do with all of those pumpkins after Halloween? Over the past decade, the Pumpkin Chuck at Hyde Park School has grown into a smashingly fun community event. Organized by Shannon Carroll, and with the help of over 200 parent and student volunteers, this year’s event promises to draw more people, have more games and smash more pumpkins than ever before.

On Saturday, November 1 from 12-6, the creative families of Hyde Park School will fill the community playground with a variety of games involving skill and luck, while, in the parking lot, onlookers can cheer as pumpkins and anything gourd-like flies to its smashing demise. 

The children will have a variety of ways to smash the pumpkins they have left over from Halloween. There will be the aptly named “Pumpkin Smasher,” designed and built by parents Mike Demarcantonio and Brent Carroll. Also, there will be the original catapult built by Todd Jellison and Michael Lober. In addition to the catapult there will be the all new steel trebuchet, capable of launching larger pumpkins long distances across the parking lot populated by scarecrows. The trebuchet was designed and constructed by parents Frank Ricciardi and Matt Sample. 

Held on the first Saturday after Halloween, the Pumpkin Chuck has evolved into more than just a fundraiser and fun way to dispose of leftover pumpkins. It has become a tradition and a day when families and friends gather to celebrate with food, drink, music, games and, of course, flying pumpkins!

Congratulations and much gratitude to all of the volunteers who devote their time and unlimited energy to  make the Pumpkin Chuck a smashing success.

2025 Pumpkin Chuck details:

The famed HPS Pumpkin Chuck is our annual fall fest that takes place the 1st Saturday after Halloween, 11/1 from 12-4pm (games and chucking), 4-6pm live music (our own Monte Lykins and Bruce Focke). You won’t want to miss it! The centerpiece of this event is watching pumpkins fly across the parking lot via catapult and trebuchet. It’s a great opportunity for students, families, staff and community to gather, watch pumpkins fly, play games and feast on a variety of food (and Madtree beer/seltzers) options.
Make sure to BYOP (bring your own pumpkin)! We will be composting our pumpkins again this year! Last year the Pumpkin Chuck composted over 3,658 lbs! Don’t trash it, smash it!