The 42nd Annual O. Henry Museum Pun-Off World Championships consists of two mighty struggles.

11: AM: Live Music and Contestant Sign-in.

Noon: PUNNIEST OF SHOW: A maximum of 32 contestants will compete to deliver their prepared “punny” material within a time limit of 90 seconds . At 90 seconds a “soft” bell will be sounded. The presentation may continue, but at 2 minutes a “hard” bell will be sounded and the contestant will be disqualified. These entries are gored on a 1-10 scale by our judges panel. A cumulative score will be recorded. The three top scoring contestants will be recognized as winners of Punniest of Show. In the case of a tie score, the audience will be asked to help decide a championship round.

About 2 – 6 pm: PUNSLINGERS:  A maximum of 32 contestants may compete. Each pair of competitors will be given a topic. At the judge’s signal, each player in his turn will have 5 seconds to deliver, or begin delivering a pun. The opponent will then be given a signal and another 5 seconds to start a pun. This shoot-out continues until one of the contestants cannot make a pun “tongue-tied” or accumulates a total of three non-qualifying “strike” attempts at a pun.

Outdoors in Brush Square. Food trucks will be on site. Book Sale and auction. Bring a blanket. No alcohol.