Lake of the Ozark Rotarians wanted to do something even bigger to benefit community needs than their respective four Rotary clubs already do in the area.
On Saturday, the Pumkin Chunkin Palooza at Ozarks Amphitheater in Camdenton could become what Rotarians hope is an annual tradition to raise money for local charities.
According to Derrick Brauner, a Lake Ozark Daybreak Rotarian and employee at Smith Moore, the idea for the Pumkin Chunkin Palooza, the brainchild of fellow Smith Moore employee and Camdenton Rotary President Mark House, was modeled after Springfield Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival.
"Through the Springfield Rock'n Ribs, the numbers are pretty astronomical to charities down there," Brauner said. "We decided a community fall festival could have the potential to grow, and it can be used as a platform to promote Rotary and the things we do for the community."
From 11 a.m.-6 p.m., the Pumkin Chunkin Palooza is a day of family-friendly fall festival fun for everyone. The day kicks off with a 5K fun run and 2.5 kid's fun run/walk.
The runs start at 9 a.m. beginning at Ozarks Amphitheater and traveling to Bridal Cave and back. The 2.5
K kid's run/walk ends at Bridal Cave, with a shuttle taking kids back to the starting point.
Registration is available up to race time. The entry fee of $25 per adult and $15 for age 12 and younger includes admission to the Pumkin Chunkin Palooza. Prizes for best child costume, best adult costume and best group costume will be awarded.
One of the main attractions will be the launching of pumpkins from a medieval-style trebuchet, built by Lake Area Rotarians.
"The design of the trebuchet allows for pumpkins to be launched 150 to 200 yards," Brauner said, noting pumpkin chucking will be held at least every hour during the event. "They are fine-tuning the trebuchet now, having flung some basketballs to test weights and making sure it constantly launches."
Additional pumpkin activities will take place during the event including the largest pumpkin contest with drop-offs by 11:30 a.m. and judging at 12:30 p.m. Cost to enter is $1 per pound.
A pumpkin decorating contest is also part of the festivities with four categories of entry: elementary school, secondary school, adult and corporate/business. Drop-offs for this event also are by 11:30 a.m. with paid admission. One winner in each category will be awarded a ribbon, $25 in festival tickets and their pumpkin featured on the event's Facebook page and website.
Other activitities will include Missouri wineries and breweries showcasing their products, a variety of Missouri artisans displaying and selling their products, kids activities and food vendors.
The Norman Jackson Band, which won third place at the 2016 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, kicks off the entertainment line-up at the main stage at Ozarks Amphitheater. A Missouri polka band will perform at a secondary stage. Closing will be the M80s, a Kansas City party band.
Through all these festivities, the Pumkin Chunkin Festival's proceeds will benefit four Lake Area charities: Kids' Harbor, Westside Aquatic Center, Lake Area food pantries and Lake Regional Hospital's neo-natal heart monitors. The event committee reviewed applications from nonprofits to receive proceeds from this event and these charities were selected.
Brauner said the "Power of 4" plans to grow this annual event much like the renowned acclaim of Springfield's Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival and truly make the event a staple to give back to the community
The "Power of 4" is the brainchild of four local Rotary club presidents who met in 2015 to mastermind a way to bring more community awareness to Rotary International, as well as its local impact and contribution to charities and nonprofits at Lake of the Ozarks.
"In the future, we hope to grow the pumpkin chucking, allowing corporate companies to build their own trebuchet and compete," Brauner said. "We also want this to become a music festival, too, and provide bigger and more musical acts, capping off the night with a fireworks show."
Admission is $8 for adults (ages 13 and older), $5 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for children under 5 years old. A family pass is also available for $20.
For more information, visit PumkinChunkinPalooza.com or visit the event's Facebook page.