RAPID CITY, SD — Fall brings a special kind of challenge for students at South Dakota Mines – who can fling pumpkins the farthest?
For 18 years, the university’s CAMP teams have hosted the popular pumpkin catapult competition at the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, attracting thousands of spectators who watch student-built catapults and trebuchets hurl pumpkins hundreds of feet into the air in a competition of both distance and accuracy.
This year’s event is Saturday, Sept. 19, with the first-round launch beginning at 11 a.m. in Memorial Park. The second round is at 1 p.m., with the final round at 3 p.m., followed by the announcement of winners.
Top teams will receive a cash prize donated by RESPEC, a global engineering consulting firm headquartered in Rapid City. The competition also includes teams from local high schools.
The team that comes closest to hitting 100-, 200- and 250-foot marks on the field wins the trophy and the cash prize. University students will also be on the field documenting each team’s distance.
“Pumpkin Chunkin’ was a staple for us when we came back to school every year,” said Dan Nosbush, 2020 graduate of civil engineering and CAMP alumnus. “It was a great way to bring team members, both new and old, to build something together, right away. It kick-started our friendships that continued throughout the year and beyond.”
The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival
Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Main Street Square to Memorial Park
Get ready to experience the ultimate autumn celebration! The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival is not only the biggest annual event in Downtown Rapid City but a beloved tradition that embodies the heart and soul of the fall season. From Main Street Square to Memorial Park, this festival is a sprawling celebration that has something for everyone.
From 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival brings to life a variety of festive fall fun. Shop from dozens of local vendors, taste your way through the creations of local food trucks, and participate in all the pumpkin-themed fun. This event is free, family-friendly, and the greatest way to kick-off the fall season in Rapid City.
Interested in being a vendor at Pumpkin Fest? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!
Schedule of Events:
10:00 a.m. – Vendors, Kid Zone (Memorial Park), Pumpkin Weigh-Off (Main Street)
10:15 a.m. – Drumline Processional from Main Street Square to Memorial Park
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. – Vote for your favorite decorated pumpkin (Main Street Square)
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Touch-A-Truck (City Hall parking lot)
11:00 a.m. – First Round of Pumpkin Chunkin’ presented by Respec and South Dakota Mines (Memorial Park)
12:00 p.m. – Pumpkin Weigh-Off winners announced (Main Street Square)
12:00-4:00 p.m. – Live music (Main Street Square)
1:00 p.m. – Second Round of Pumpkin Chunkin’ presented by Respec and South Dakota Mines (Memorial Park)
3:00 p.m. – Final Round of Pumpkin Chunkin’ presented by Respec and South Dakota Mines (Memorial Park)
4:00 p.m. – Event ends
