Official Press Release:
CHAMPIONSHIP HAPPENS!
The O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships
May 16, 2009 at the O. Henry Museum on Brush Square
AUSTIN, TX –
Celebrate the lowest form of humor in high style at the 32nd Annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships on Saturday, May 16, 2009. This irreverent assault on our anguished language annually lures both veteran verbivores and naïve neophytes on a passionate pilgrimage to meet their Mecca in Austin. Free Parking is available on the street within a reasonable walking distance. Food and drink will be available. Spaces are open for 32 competitive punslingers in two different categories of competition.
Many will be left out standing in their fields as they attempt to harvest this year’s bumper crop of corn. Up for grabs will be the title of “Punniest of Show.” This freestyle competition for punsters with prepared material allows 90 seconds for creative have-wits from every crook and nanny to stuff their struts.
Later bushel come to shove as another corny crop of 32 contestants face off in the “Punslingers” competition where aspiring “have-wits” are paired up and pared down by battling in wordplay on a given topic. Lest the puns linger too long, time limits are imposed.Although the crowd groans louder and larger each year, contest registration and admission are still free. Inspiring wordplayers are strongly urged to apply themselves early at the wwwebsite punpunpun.com
Live music will be furnished by MoPac and the Blue Suburbans at 11am. The actual competitions begin at noon and should draw to a twisted end near 5pm. All revenue from refreshment and souvenir sales helps support educational projects and programs at the O. Henry Museum.
Word butchers and prospective pundits who wish to jest for a wordy cause or just want more information are invited to call the O. Henry Museum at (512) 472-1903 or Pun-Off extra-corninaire Gary Hallock at (512) 973-9929. gary@hallock.net Visit these websites: www.ohenrymuseum.org and www.punpunpun.com