5th Annual Sling N' Squash Competition
Big Chill Surf Cantina will host their 5th Annual Sling N’ Squash Competition on Saturday, November 12 from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. The popular gourd-throwing event — formerly known as Big Chill’s Pumpkin Chuckin’ — requires incredible feats of strength as competitors are judged by how far they can toss a pumpkin using nothing but pure strength and technique. There are no cannons or catapults allowed, only body parts.
Started in 2017 as a tribute to the Pumpkin Chunkin festival made famous by the Discovery Channel, the event is free to attend (21+ only) and benefits the Rehoboth Community Resource Center. There is a $30 registration fee for competitors (click here); that includes access to a limited-edition T-shirt, with $15 being donated back to our charity partner. In addition to supreme pumpkin-throwing bragging rights, cash prizes will be awarded: $500 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place, and $100 for 3rd place.
“We are so excited to be able to host this event for the fifth time while keeping a proud Delaware tradition going strong,” says Matt Garbutt, Marketing Director of Big Chill Surf Cantina. “We can’t wait to see old and new faces competing and spectating again this year. Smashing pumpkins never goes out of style, especially when it’s for a good cause.”
The Sling N’ Squash has a few minor rules: pumpkins must weigh between 15 and 18 pounds, with contestants throwing them from a 6x6-inch approved throwing area. (All pumpkins were donated by Fifer Orchards). Distances will be measured from where they first hit the ground. No exceptions. Last year’s top throw traveled 32 feet from the female division (Tiara Duffy) and 52 feet from the men’s division (Austin Smith).
Again, the event is free to anyone looking to watch the pumpkins fly. Spectators can enjoy a wide variety of food, beer, and cocktails as well as live music from DJ Magellan. Big Chill Surf Cantina is also hosting a canned food drive throughout the week. Guests are encouraged to bring a can to the event.
