The parental imperative “Don’t play with your food” does not apply at the Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival. Now in its 10th year, this family-friendly fest invites folks to compete for cash, prizes and trophies by launching pumpkins from DIY trebuchets, or gravity-powered catapults. Teams in four divisions vie for the greatest distance as they send squash soaring in three rounds of competition. The current record is an impressive 689 feet. A chili cook-off, a cornhole tournament and kids’ activities round out this autumnal tradition benefiting the Clarina Howard Nichols Center.

Price: $10; free for kids 4 and under; additional cost for some activities.