This weekend is your chance for an epic tailgate at what has become one of America’s most revered sporting competitions. The World Championship Punkin Chunkin competition sees close to 75 teams meeting on a farm in Bridgeville, DE in a battle to hurl orange gourds as far as possible. Last year, nearly 20,000 people attended. Online ticket sales are over, but you can head over and score a ticket at the gate for $10 a head.

Competitors select a category like catapult, trebuchet, or air, and build machines (to World Championship Punkin Chunkin Association specifications) that attempt to fly a squash the farthest. There’s also a straight-up human powered division. Only natural, unmodified pumpkins are allowed, and the fruit must remain intact until it smashes into the ground at its finish point.

Now a fund-raising effort that donates several tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships via several charities that support children, the event started as a whim. In 1986, buddies John Ellsworth, Trey Melson, Bill Thompson and Donald “Doc” Pepper were hanging out discussing throwing pumpkins (happens all the time, right?). One of them challenged the others to see how far they could toss, and the competition was born. Now it’s a three-day affair with food vendors, a chili cook-off, and live music. No alcohol will be sold, but visitors are welcome to bring coolers. We’re looking forward to checking out the show.