Plenty of squash were squashed this year, as the murky depths of Sayers Lake were graced with scores of orange visitors.

Howard Fire Company is the proud owner of their own air cannon, “Chunk’n-ology,” purchased from a competitive chunking team a few years ago for use during the fire company’s annual festival, which is the primary fundraiser for the fire department.

Nine chunking teams were expected to travel to Howard this year for the Punkin’ Chunkin’ competition.

This year saw a record number of vendors, with over 100 craft vendors and more than 20 food vendors in attendance.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The pie eating contest brought smiles to the faces of many — and locally-made Amish pastries to the stomachs of some.

There were also hayrides, mini pumpkin chunkers, a bounce house and activities for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.

New this year was the Craft Beverage Garden, which featured craft beer, wine and cider from Bullfrog Brewery of Williamsport.

A pie eating contest was held Saturday afternoon, with several tables of competitors challenging themselves and each other to wolf down local Amish-made pies while surrounded by raucous spectators.

Collectible T-shirts and other apparel items were available for purchase at the event.

This year’s shirts show a picture of the Pa. HART (helicopter aquatic rescue team) chopper grabbing a rescued pumpkin from the fire company’s water rescue team sitting in the Howard Fire Company’s inflatable rescue boat.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The pie eating contest brought smiles to the faces of many — and locally-made Amish pastries to the stomachs of some.

The design is a proud nod to the local fire company’s seven members who are certified and part of the Water Rescue team. These guys have often assisted in flooding situations and water rescue and victim recovery efforts throughout the region.

The fire company hoped that the HART chopper could be here for the festival, but the crew is busy assisting with hurricane relief efforts. However, a National Guard Black Hawk chopper landed on the beach and was available all day for questions of with crew members — and photo opportunities.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The National Guard Black Hawk takes off at the end of the day.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The National Guard Black Hawk is pictured as some of the vendors sprawl in the background.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS The Bullfrog Brewery tent in the Craft Beverage Garden is pictured.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Attendees mill about through a road lined with vendors.

TIM WEIGHT/FOR THE EXPRESS Trebuchets are always a popular - and effective - chunker.