Thank you to all participants and sponsors of the 5th Annual South Bay Pumpkin Smash – Game of Throws presented by the Friends of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation. Teams from all over south bay descended on Eastlake Middle School on Saturday November 6th to compete a live fire pumpkin throwing contest. Teams showcased their designs and manufacturing skills as the laid siege on the field using a medieval device commonly known as a trebuchet.
Like in the past, the opening ceremony was conducted by the Chula Vista Fire Department by dropping a 125-pound pumpkin from over 100 feet up.
This year in the Open Division, triplet brothers Mike, Mario, and Marc Diaz “wowed the crowd” with a feat of engineering as they presented team “Fetchez la vache” floating arm trebuchet. Not only was this device a marvel to see, it set a new competition record by throwing a 5+ pound pumpkin over 90 meters (295 ft).
Winners in Division 2
First Place winner Bonita Vista Middle & Second Place was Eastlake Middle.
Longest throw in Division 2 went to Eastlake Middle School. A special Thank You goes out to all our generous sponsors: San Diego County Supervisor Nora Vargas, Structural Engineers Association of San Diego, Baldwin & Sons – Otay Ranch, Republic Waste, Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake, Chula Vista Police Activities League (CVPAL), Dixieline Lumber, and Eastlake Self Storage.
This year’s event also welcomed newly appointed Sweetwater Union High School District Superintendent Moisés G. Aguirre Ed.D, Sweetwater Union High School District Board of Trustee President Nicolas Segura, Sweetwater Union High School District College and Career Readiness Director Jeff Kover, and newly hired Sweetwater Union High School STEAM Director Brahim Wahib.
This year’s event presented a few challenges. Being in a COVID era the event had limitations. However, the attendance was better than expected and everyone had a wonderful time.
A special Thank you goes to Eastlake Middle School Principal Easter Finley for securing Operation Samahan who offered COVID Rapid testing free of charge.
Plans are already in the works to make next year’s event awesome. “Our goal is to create a family friendly Renaissance themed Pumpkin Smash Fair with activities for all ages. Including food, crafts, vendors, and of course a pumpkin throwing competition” stated event coordinator Michael Monaco. Like always, entry to the event as a spectator is always free to the public. Mark your calendar for November 5th, 2022 at Eastlake Middle School.
Special Thanks to our Sponsors
