Flying pumpkins at Mundelein Park District event
Holy vegetables! Is that a flying pumpkin?
Yes, it is.
And you're invited to catch it all - including the compost - at the Mundelein Park District's enviro-infused Pumpkin Drop. All ages can use their monster-sized strength to toss, roll and smash their pumpkins into compost. Joining the fun this year are students from Mundelein High School, who along with physics instructor Michael Hickey and student teacher Mark Michalski created "Peter" the catapult (named after the nursery rhyme, "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater"). Painted bright red for Mundelein High, Peter spans nearly 10 feet across. Watch the pumpkins soar after being loaded onto Peter and launched into the air.
Prairie Crossing Organic Farm will compost the pulverized remnants, and Tom's Auto Inc.'s donated and recycled parts will provide the pumpkin power.
Event Coordinator Nora T'Niemi tells us what you need to know.
Q. What makes this such a fabulous event?
A. The pumpkin drop combines family activity, community cooperation, science, recycling education and exercise into one event.
How long has this event been in existence? How has it changed, and what is new this year?
A. The Pumpkin Drop is taking place for the second year. The new addition this year is the trebuchet.
What's the highlight of the event?
A. The highlight to this year's event will be the addition of the BIG RED trebuchet, designed and built by the Mundelein High School physics department. Led by physics instructor Mike Hickey and several student volunteers, the trebuchet will launch pumpkins from atop the sled hill, adding yet another fun science aspect to our event. We hope this will be a big hit, and eventually lead to a future pumpkin launching competition here at the park district.
What kind of activities will appeal to kids and families?
A. The most popular activity will surely be the pumpkin roll. Children carry their pumpkins to the top of the sled hill over and over again, then let them roll! If there is anything left of the pumpkin, they then smash their pumpkin, or see how far they can toss it during the pumpkin "heave ho."
What about adults? What does the event offer them?
A. Adults may participate in all of the above activities.
What kinds of food and beverages will be for sale?
A. Chipotle of Vernon Hills has generously donated snacks for the Pumpkin Drop.
Tell us about the volunteers and organizers who pull this together.
A. After wondering what to do with my own Halloween pumpkins for years, I realized there might be others who would like another option for disposal than their garbage can. I made this a family event with a focus on children, so they can go beyond the "Jack O Lantern" and learn about composting as an environmentally friendly way to dispose of their pumpkins. The addition of fun activities has sparked children's interest, the group cleanup after the activities teaches them responsibility. During the summer, I happened to ask Mike Hickey, physics teacher at Mundelein High School and a Park View Health & Fitness member, if he would be interested in incorporating catapult construction into his curriculum, to be used at the Pumpkin Drop event. The result of his enthusiasm will add both science and thrills to our Pumpkin Drop event.
How much does it cost to get in? If the admission costs benefit a charity, please tell us about that group.
A. The Pumpkin Drop is a free community event hosted by the Mundelein Park District. All participants need to bring is a pumpkin.
Is there anything else we should know?
A. For composting purposes, we ask that all candles or lights be removed from pumpkins before participating in the events.
<p class=factboxtext12col><b>If you go</b></p> <p class=factboxtext12col>What: Mundelein Park District's 2nd annual Pumpkin Drop</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>When: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>Where: Community Park sled hill, 1401 N. Midlothian Road</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>Cost: Free</p> <p class=factboxtext12col>More info: (847) 566-0650, ext. 12, or ntniemi@mundeleinparks.org </p>