Punkin Chunkin returns in 2023, but not on Delmarva

DELAWARE- A once an iconic fixture of Sussex County, The Punkin Chunkin tournament is returning for 2023, but will now be held in Oklahoma.

Organizers say they tried for years to find a venue that was able to host them after a woman was paralyzed by an explosion on one of the rigs in 2016.

This year, the event will be held over one day instead of three on October 28th in Vinita Oklahoma.

Organizers tell 47ABC they were glad the event is back, despite the change in scenery.

“Since 2000 we were able to account for over 1 million dollars we were able to contribute back to the local community, knowing that something in Sussex County Delaware will survive in another location brings me fulfillment to know we did give up and in the end, it worked out,” said event Director Frank Payton.

Payton tells 47ABC the event was announced with a shorter notice, though they hope to get as many competitors out to the event and build it up year after year.