DAGSBORO, Del.– Despite the cancellation of the official Punkin' Chunkin' event at the Dover International Speedway for 2014, families and other avid fans of the competition decided to continue the tradition in Sussex County.

Parsons Farms Produce hosted the small-scale event, featuring four chunking machines prepared by families who regularly compete. The activities took place in an open field behind the Parsons Farms store where its annual fall festival was taking place.

Laurel resident Faith Hartman said the official event's cancellation was a let-down to she and her family.

“It was hurtful, it's a sorrow for us,” said Hartman. “It's something that we look forward to every year to participate in, to help raise money for the different area charities.”

Other locals who participated in the mini-Punkin Chunkin event in Dagsboro included Mark Thompson of Rehoboth Beach, who's been a dedicated sport in the game for years.

“We've got a lot of effort in getting our machines ready, getting our families ready – actually a lot a bit of money,” said Thompson when he spoke of his initial reaction to the news of cancellation.

Punkin' Chunkin' association officials said the official event will take place in early November 2015.