Halloween Fun: Shooting Pumpkins at an Old School Bus

A 1968 Bluebird Midwest, a 50 seat occupancy bus manufactured in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, sits out across an open field of red peppers precisely 377 feet from a pointed cannon. And what's being fired at the bus—pumpkins—loaded by young children, and their parents who themselves may never be too old for enjoying such fun.

For about 7 years during most of October, farmer Don Wachlin, of Schlichting Century Farm in Sherwood, Oregon, draws scores of kids who delight in firing their grapefruit size pumpkins at the old bus.

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[WinklerFamily3]

"Uncle Don" passed away last week. He was loved by everyone in Sherwood and the surrounding communities. He will be dearly missed. Please remember his family in your prayers!

[cookingupastory]

I am so sorry to hear this news, @WinklerFamily3. Farmer Don was such a caring person, loved what he did, and was one of a kind. Agreed, he will be sorely missed. Thanks for letting me know.

[TheMslara26]

Uncle D's Pumpkin Popper, I love it!! Hope no children get hurt by this :)

[cookingupastory]

@TheMslara26 Farmer Don is *very* safety conscious - as parents lifted their little ones to put the pumpkin down the pipe, he kept raising it...he did not want any part of their heads in front of it, just in case. Also, he ultimately controlled the release of the air pressure - kids could push the launch button over and over, but it wouldn't go until he pushed on his end. He did try to match up them, tho. =)

[JackANDJude]

That's awesome! 

[cookingupastory]

@JackANDJude thanks! it's a fun activity, one that I used to take my kids to, too. Anything like this around your area?

[themadhacker2]

what's with the subs?

[JackANDJude]

@cookingupastory No. I wish! Instead, we had trick or treating at an aquarium in nearby CT. Free admission was offered for all those in costume.