In 2000, there were many TV programs featuring catapults. The Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and NOVA all had episodes that talked about the uses of medieval siege engines. Andy thought that he could build one…and so he did. He worked on it at night after chores were done. It took a year to build the first wooden version of the “Dayton Destroyer.”

The first public display was in 2003 when we pulled the catapult from the garage at the store, across the street, and aimed it toward the field. Because of a malfunction, one pumpkin went straight up in the air and the crowd scattered! Since that first event, the Dayton Destroyer had been repaired and improved many times. It is now road-worthy and travels to several public events during the summer and fall.

In 2018, we entered a competition in Louden, NH, and won a trophy for being the most accurate machine there.

Every year, on the first Sunday in November, we shoot pumpkins with the catapult and an air cannon from the field near the store. This is a charity event, and we collect donations of non-perishable food items and pet food to support local pantries. It is a big attraction for our customers and many people come to watch.

This year’s Pumpkin Chunkin’ will be Sunday, November 3rd, starting at 1:00 pm.