Hardin-Simmons’ Spooky Tradition: Pumpkin Palooza By: Delani Bauer

On Oct. 21, Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) students lined up outside Ferguson Hall for the annual Pumpkin Palooza, a late-night tradition that challenges students to find hidden pumpkins throughout the residence hall. The event began at 8:30 p.m. and concluded two hours later.

By 7:30 p.m., students started gathering to secure a spot at the front of the line. The crowd wrapped around the building as participants were grouped into sets of 15 before entering. Some students arrived in costume, adding to the Halloween atmosphere. Themed music played from speakers outside the hall.

Before each group began, members of HSU’s Student Activities Board (SABERS) explained the rules of the hunt. Fifteen pumpkins were hidden throughout Ferguson Hall, tucked under beds, inside closets, vending machines and other unexpected spots.

Each group had 10 minutes to find one pumpkin before an alarm signaled the end of the round. Between rounds, SABERS students hid new pumpkins to keep the competition fair.

Every pumpkin had a marking on the bottom indicating a corresponding prize. Students were limited to one pumpkin each. Orange pumpkin prizes included limited edition Pumpkin Palooza sweatshirts, energy drinks and gift cards. Two green pumpkins awarded Beats headphones, and one pink pumpkin was redeemable for a pair of Birkenstocks.

SABERS members dressed in costume and hid throughout the building to scare participants as they searched. Ferguson Hall was decorated with spider webs, witches’ hats, eerie photos and other Halloween-themed decor.

Pumpkin Palooza continues to be a favorite fall tradition at HSU, bringing students together for some frightful fun and friendly competition. This year’s event drew one of the largest student turnouts of the semester.

“I go to Pumpkin Palooza every year,” Karli Bauer, senior art major from Mason, said. “It is one of my favorite events. I love how the building is decorated and seeing all of the fun costumes. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, and I love all of the fun events that SABERS hosts surrounding the holiday.”

SABERS hosts seasonal events like Pumpkin Palooza each semester. To learn more about future events, follow @hsu_sabers on Instagram.