In Downtown Rockford's River District, you may have seen several orange projectiles flying through the air. No cause for alarm, just some family hijinks.

The Discovery Center just held their annual pumpkin smashing event on Sunday. An absolutely perfect 70 degree day in early November on the Rock River.

While you had many choices for how you'd like to see your pumpkin smashed, there was one way that really stole the show.

On hand, was a machine called ‘The Giant Catapult.’ I've never quite seen anything launched this far that wasn't strapped to a rocket.

Of course, never missing an opportunity to teach, the Discovery Center event goers learned more about physics and Newton’s Laws of Motion.

The weather assisted in the excitement of the crowd.

“This is probably the best November day we’ve had for this event. I’ve been doing this for 20 years and this is unbelievable. What a great day,” exclaimed Michael Ratheun, the associate director for Discovery Center.

Watch 'The Giant Catapult' launch a pumpkin in slow motion.

Thanks to everyone who came and smashed pumpkins yesterday!

Posted by Discovery Center Museum on Monday, November 9, 2020

Be sure to check out the gallery of photos taken by the Rockford Register Star.

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