Front Porch

Published 10:03 pm Monday, April 27, 2009

Build a catapult

WANTED: Snohomish event manager seeking tinker-in-the-shop types for fall pumpkin hurling contest. Must be willing to spend long hours building a trebuchet, spoonapult or other medieval device for flinging 10-pound pumpkins long distances.

REQUIRED: Coercion of like-minded helpers, knowledge of math and physics, ability to use chain saws and blow torches, Richard the Lionheart complex. Knowledge of medieval warfare tactics and siege weapons a plus! Secret desire to hurl rocks, cows, sheep, chickens, flaming pots of tar, galley slaves, etc., over castle walls acceptable.

Salary and benefits not likely. Organizers assume no responsibility for loss of appendages.

GUARANTEED: Oohhing bystanders, satisfying disintegration of gourds.

If interested, call event manager Carolyn Eslick at 425-327-2093.

Find more about the Pumpkin Hurl, held in Snohomish this fall, at www.festivalofpumpkins.org — and get building plans for trebuchets at www.thehurl.org.

Tell Elks about wonderful moms: Everett Elks No. 479 offers the annual Mother’s Day essay contest for fourth-grade students.

In 300 words or less, kids should explain why they love their mom. The top boy and girl winners will be invited to a Mother’s Day Brunch at the Lake City Elks (since the Everett Elks new building is not quite ready), where they will read their essay and receive flowers for their mother.

Entries are due to the Everett Elks, attention Ann Hall, P.O. Box 13227, Everett, WA 98206 by May 4. Please print the entrant’s name, address, phone number and school at the top of the essay.