Do you like to play with your food, build weapons of
medieval proportions and have fun doing it? Then we challenge you to
join the Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival Melon Propellin’
Contest. Get together with your friends, neighbors, co-workers, build
your best launcher and compete at the 2010 Festival.
For more information: Contact Jim &
Caroline Wolfe - 847-525-9065
First you get to show off
your launcher in the Summer Sunset Festival Parade Saturday morning.
Then it's off to the battlefield. Here are some photos of previous
events (Point at a picture for a caption.)
OFFICIAL 2009 MELON PROPELLIN’ RULES
The competition will be held on Saturday September 5th, 2009, at 2:00 pm at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road in Lake in the Hills.
The goal to propel a watermelon as far as you can. Each team will have three attempts to make their furthest throw. First place prize is $100, second is $75, and third is $50. Each winning team will take home a Melon Propellin' Trophy.
Your launchers are also entered in the Summer Sunset Festival Parade at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Supervised practice times will be available on weekends during the summer, by appointment.
Machine Requirements
All types of mechanical launchers are acceptable. Combustible gas, gasoline, compressed air, kerosene or the like are prohibited.
Motorized winches and/or other cranking devices may cock the machine.
Helmets and goggles for every launch are strongly recommended.
All launchers must be approved by August 29, 2009.
Judging
All watermelons will be supplied, they will weigh between 8 and 12 pounds. You must throw three melons. The longest distance out of three tosses qualifies.
Watermelons must leave the machine intact. Accuracy is not judged, but you must keep your melon in the designated area. Distance will be measured from the starting line and end where the watermelon first lands.
No modifications to the Melon allowed.
Safety Rules
A safety strap or other mechanism will be required to remain in place at all times on the throwing arm after the machine is cocked until released for firing. The times this safety device is to be removed is right before launch until after the device is cocked. This is to insure that no premature launches occur. The safety and the release mechanism shall be designed or constructed to be of sufficient strength to insure against misfires or premature firing.
A safety zone shall be set up around the perimeter of each of the machines in case there is a misfire. This safety zone shall be no less than 6 feet. Only the team member(s), two maximum, who are firing the device may be near the safety zone when firing occurs. No team members may be inside the safety zone after the safety strap or other mechanism is released.
The base of the launcher must be secured during launching. (ie: wheel stops)
Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Registration
Early registration will end August 1st, any team that registers by that date will receive two official Melon Propellin’ T-Shirts.
Lake In The Hills
