Punkin Chunkin lawsuit dismissed; organizers hope to host Delaware event
Taylor GoebelAfter a two-year lull, the most quintessential Delaware experience wants back in.
Punkin Chunkin made the announcement on Facebook on Friday afternoon, stating, "It's official. WE ARE BACK, although, we never left or dissolved despite rumors."
"The organization is looking to get back to what we do best, and that is Punkin Chunkin," president Frank Payton said.
President Frank Payton said the survival of the gourd-flinging championship, which started in 1986, rests on the support of the community.
"The organization is looking to get back to what we do best, and that is Punkin Chunkin," Payton said.
The nonprofit organization was embroiled in a lawsuit after a woman was critically injured while managing a camera during the event in 2016, when the trap door of an air cannon exploded off the machine and hit her in the head.
Suzanne Dakessian filed a lawsuit on Aug. 16, 2017, against the organization, its leaders, the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and the farm where the event is held. A federal judge dismissed the civil suit with prejudice on Jan. 25.
"We are not able to address any inquiries related to the termination of the litigation except to say that the case was resolved with no admission or finding of liability on the Association's part," Punkin Chunkin organizers stated in the Facebook post.
Background:Punkin Chunkin canceled in light of pending lawsuit
Organizers are still determining whether they can hold a Punkin Chunkin championship this year. The "immediate obstacle" is finding land with a minimum requirement of 600 acres for parking, camping, vending and participants, though "less land can be utilized with some creative thinking," according to the post.
If Punkin Chunkin can't find land in Delaware, the organization will look to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, for laws that specifically benefit nonprofits.
"If all else fails, it is our hope to continue to be an American Tradition," the post read.
"The past two years have been the hardest on our non-profit organization, both mentally and financially, following the unfortunate incident in 2016 and the ensuing litigation," the post went on. "However, the board remains committed, and our membership is still intact."
Romance:Say 'I love you' by taking your sweetheart to a romantic Delaware-area spot
More:No witchcraft? 8 Delmarva's fun and odd rules you didn't know to follow
While dormant in Delaware, the pumpkin-shooting organization sanctioned an event last year in Colorado, and permitted it to utilize the trademark "Punkin Chunkin Colorado."
Unofficial chunks are held across the country, but the Delaware-based non-profit is the OG championship.
"We can't thank the City of Aurora and its volunteers enough for helping to keep our tradition going," the Facebook post read.
Anyone who feels they can help the organization kick off its World Punkin Chunkin Championship this year should email info@punkinchunkin.com.
The News Journal's Brittany Horn contributed to this report.
