Participants roll, kick, hoist and toss pumpkins from the top of Arndt Park sled hill in Des Plaines during the Pumpkin Smash Nov. 1.
Courtesy of Colette Plantz
More than 60 people came out for the first Des Plaines Park District Pumpkin Smash Sunday, Nov. 1, at Arndt Park Sled Hill. Everyone who attended the free event brought along at least one pumpkin.
Pumpkins were carried up to the top of Arndt Park Sled Hill and collectively sent rolling toward targets at the bottom. Pumpkins that survived the journey were gathered up and carried back for another round.
When the pumpkins were damaged beyond competing, they were retired to the compost pile.
"Our goal for this event was to bring families out for a fun event," said Cindy Yelich, "as well as to educate people about composting. I feel like we successfully did both." Yelich is a recreation supervisor for the park district.
Plans are already underway for the 2016 Pumpkin Smash. Park district information is at www.DPParks.org or (847) 391-5700.
Bella Crowe is enthusiastic about the competition, but may have overestimated her ability to carry this pumpkin up the sled hill during the first Pumpkin Smash at Arndt Park in Des Plaines.
Courtesy of Colette Plantz
"To the victor come the spoils!" Maybe this doesn't apply to the winners of the 2015 Des Plaines Park District Pumpkin Smash. These "spoils" are ready for the compost pile, which was the plan for this event.
Courtesy of Colette Plantz
Pumpkins are sent down the sled hill at Arndt Park in Des Plaines at the Pumpkin Smash sponsored by the Des Plaines Park District.
Courtesy of Colette Plantz
These boys are ready to toss their pumpkins down the sled hill at Arndt Park in Des Plaines. Some of these pumpkins didn't survive this round at the Pumpkin Smash.
Courtesy of Colette Plantz
Darren Ganir tries a different technique, the over-the-head, backward throw. Ganir and his family had a great time at the event and plan to attend next year's Pumpkin Smash.
Courtesy of Colette Plantz