LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Pumpkins flew into the Ohio River Sunday, as the 10th annual "Chunkin’ Pumpkins" event returned to Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille.
Three trebuchets hurled pumpkins into the water aiming for floating targets. For some participants, a direct hit wasn't easy.
“It is kind of rare; we don't make way adjustments or anything," said Edward Carlisle, designer and builder of the trebuchets. "Just a little bit of pin angle adjustment, and if you just happen to have the right weight pumpkin that we set up with, it's going to be close."
Carlisle built the three trebuchets for the annual event at Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille. His welding background from working at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant helped him build the machines for free.
“Four-and-a-half, five months for each one of these," he said. "I only work on them one day a week, as I work five or six days a week at work."
The event is more than just about seeing how many pumpkins can smash targets. It raised money for nonprofits Twisted Pink and Hope Scarves, who are investing in metastatic breast cancer research.
“Our research supports clinical basic and translational research," said Anna Laura Edwards, executive director of Hope Scarves. "This ultimately provides more treatment options for people facing a stage four diagnosis."
It all started about a decade ago, when the co-owner of the restaurant’s wife was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.
“We're so excited just to bring awareness of metastatic breast cancer research ... and to have all these people here where we can explain the message and the importance of investing in stage four metastatic disease,” said Andrew Masterson, Captain’s Quarters Riverside Grille co-owner.
Carlisle is helping to catapult breast cancer research to the forefront of Kentucky.
“Feels good; we love helping out,” Carlisle said.
The goal is to raise $50,000 for both nonprofits. Last year's event raised more than $43,000.
According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the U.S. It will develop in approximately one in eight women during their lifetime.