MAPLEVILLE, R.I. -- Former Patriots offensive lineman Matt Light held his eighth annual celebrity shootout on Tuesday, to benefit his charity for disadvantaged children, the Light Foundation.

The highlight of the day was current Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski firing off (Twitter video here) a Civil War-era cannon, which served as the 'shotgun start' to the day-long shooting competition.

Gronkowski also tried his hand at firing a shotgun for the cameras, hitting a clay pigeon (Twitter video here) on his second attempt.

"Absolutely incredible," Light said of Gronkowski's abilities with the firearm. "It's not hard to imagine, right? We don't allow him to spike anything when he has a gun in his hand. He's pretty controlled in that regard. He shot from the hip literally last year at this event. He made it happen. He did a great job."

Besides Gronkowski, other current Patriots in attendance were guard Logan Mankins, linebacker Jerod Mayo, defensive end Rob Ninkovich, punter Zoltan Mesko, and offensive linemen Marcus Cannon, Ryan Wendell, Thomas Austin, and Matt Kopa. Some of Light's former teammates also participated, including Joe Andruzzi, Matt Chatham, Sammy Morris, and Russ Hochstein.

The event was held at Addieville East Farm in Mapleville, R.I., and for the first time in its history, Light said the fundraiser sold out in advance.

"It's been a real blessing for the Foundation," Light said. "It's our number one fundraiser. It's how we are afforded the ability to go out and do what we do with the kids in the community."