The Last Fling Pumpkin Sling Launches 2nd Annual Competition

Warren County, NJ: Plans for the second annual Last Fling Pumpkin Sling are well underway say organizers of the unique event. The event was a “smashing success last year.” So much there is a new location for this year’s event. The event will remain in Warren County, New Jersey, however, it has moved to Harmony Township, near the intersection of Montana and Millbrook Roads. The event created such a sensation in 2010 that for 2011,  event organizers felt a bigger field of play would be needed to accommodate more machines with greater throwing power. 
 
The event will happen on October 22 & 23, with a hurricane date of October 29 & 30th. Admission is $5 for an adult, $3 for children ages 5-12 and ages 4 and under are free. There are some new attractions in 2011 and attractions from the previous year have been expanded.

 
The main attraction is the catapult and trebuchet pumpkin slinging competition. This year organizers have expanded the categories to accommodate various size machines. There is a youth and adult category and a combination category for youth & adult that collaboration on the project. The goal is to sling a 2-3 lb. pumpkin the furthest. Competition rules can be downloaded from the website, www.pumpkinsling.com. The new location allows up to 20 machines per day, with a shooting distance of roughly 2,500 feet. The distances will be measured by a state of the art GPS system supplied by Vollers Excavating.
 
The event will include a hot air balloon rally of local pilots including some special balloons. Airhead Invader, the special shape monster balloon, will invade the field of play. The balloon will inflate and offer tethered rides as weather permits. Airhead is bringing a few friends along, including the original flying pumpkin, the Pumpkin Balloon. Balloonists will meet on top of Montana Mountain for a balloon rally and launch at around 4:00 pm.
 
Brady the Class Clown will emcee, as well as perform several circus shows throughout the day. Brady is no stranger to the area as he was recently seen recently at the Warren County Farmers’ Fair and at the 2010 4-H Renaissance Faire. You are sure to be entertained by Brady as he juggles fire, swords and rubber chickens.
 
Recently the local 4-H Renaissance Faire was cancelled due to inclement weather. The Last Fling Pumpkin Sling has extended an invitation to 4-H Teen Council to organize a fundraiser at the Sling. Look for details on these activities and consider supporting their efforts.
 
Take a ride with Cirroco, the famous mule from Castle Ridge Farm in Harmony Township. Ride in style as Cirroco pulls you along in a Meadowbrook cart. Cirroco was recently in the Hambletonian Parade at the Meadowlands. Horse rides for children will also be provided compliments of Randy and Laura of Castle Ridge Farm, a new full-care facility for all disciplines, located on Harmony Brass Castle Road.
 
An invitation has been extended by the nearby Montana Methodist Church to all who wish to join them for service on Sunday at 10:30 am. They will also be giving tours of the historic church after the service through 4:30 pm. This 100 year old historic church is located on Montana Road across from the field of play.
 
The October Vistas Bus Tour is expanded this year. New Jersey Audubon will have a naturalist at Merrill Creek Reservoir Hawk Watch from 9:00 am to 12 noon for interpretive talks. Shuttle rides will be available to and from Merrill Creek, or you may drive there directly.  There is also a free 45-minute foliage bus tour of the area for event-goers and a bus tour to Wyckoff’s Christmas Tree Farm where you can then take a hayride to the top of their hill for beautiful views of Warren County, NJ.
 
Little ones can have fun at the Kids’ Corner where they can make seasonally themed crafts, paint pumpkins and participate in a mini catapult or pumpkin tossing activities.
 
For detailed directions, schedule of events, vendor contracts and rules for the competition visit the website, www.pumpkinsling.com
 
The Last Fling Pumpkin Sling is sponsored in part by the NJ Division of Travel and Tourism (visitnj.org,) the Star Ledger, Highlands Coalition and PNC Bank.
 

Contact Information

Giulia Iannitelli

Executive Director

Highlands Tourism Partnership

(1) 908-213-9176

info@pumpkinsling.com