Most of us don't start thinking about pumpkins until the month of October. And then it's usually about carving them or cooking them into delicious pies. But in Snohomish, WA, they start in September with an unusual way to launch the season&literally, by sending sky-high those golden gourds that symbolize fall.

At the 3rd Annual Snohomish Pumpkin Hurl you won't believe your eyes when you see 8-10 lb pumpkins soar to glorious, sky-scraping heights across an open field, only to end up a pulpy mess as they eventually plummet to earth. On Saturday, September 18, 2010, this outrageous competition, presented by the Snohomish Festival of Pumpkins and co-sponsored by Frontier Communications, will pit teams from all over the Pacific Northwest against each other for the title: "Champion of the Northwest Regional Pumpkin Hurl".

All contestant teams build and bring their own hurling machines and will stop at nothing to go the highest, fastest and farthest. One of the most impressive devices in years past has been world record setter Trebarbaric, a massive, 55-ft tall, medieval-style trebuchet that can catapult pumpkins distances nearly half a mile!

Once the world record-holder, that record is now held by a Belgian team. The drama builds this year as we wonder: Can Trebarbaric regain the record and beat its own best launch? Dont miss the eye-popping action on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at Bartelheimer Farm, 10010 115th Ave SE, Snohomish WA. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The main competition begins at 12 noon. You will also experience re-enactments of life in the Middle Ages through a medieval living history village and medieval combat demonstrations. Great food and craft vendors will be there too.

Only $5.00 to attend. Children ages 4 and under are free.

More information at: www.festivalofpumpkins.org, Or contact: Debbie Carlson Gould, Snohomish Festival of Pumpkins 425-308-8363 manager@festivalofpumpkins.org