A smashing pumpkin carving

On Friday, Oct. 10, the Women’s Center and the International Programs Office hosted the Pumpkin Carving Party in the ASUI Vandal Lounge. Attendance was expected to be high, so people were encouraged to sign up in advance to ensure they got a pumpkin. There was a wide variety of the round, orange gourds to choose from, as well as several workstations where Vandals could carve their masterpieces. The workstations became so full that extra tables were pushed together and covered in plastic tablecloths so that everyone had enough space. One group even worked on the floor.  New acquaintances and friendships formed as everyone found a place to sit and share in this popular Halloween tradition. While people chatted and scooped pulpy pumpkin guts, iconic Halloween tunes played, including “The Addams Family” and “Spooky, Scary Skeletons.” There was also a snack table with autumnal treats such as apple cider and pumpkin-esque mandarin oranges.  

The student volunteers checked in with each station often, ensuring that participants were enjoying the event and had the carving tools they needed. One volunteer said their busiest event had “around 30 people in total,” stopping in throughout the event. There were approximately 30 people at the Pumpkin Carving Party from the very beginning. More trailed in as it went on, making it their most popular event of the year so far. Only three pumpkins remained uncarved at the end. 

There are plenty of ways to celebrate this spooky season, even as a college student. One group shared their favorite Halloween traditions, which included carving pumpkins with their families, trick-or-treating and watching Halloween movies. If you missed the Pumpkin Carving Party or just love Halloween, you can look forward to the annual Theophilus Tower Trick-or-Treat coming up soon. Be sure to also check out Wicked Wednesdays at the Kenworthy, where classic Halloween movies are shown every Wednesday evening in October.