Pumpkin Palooza Review By: Brett Briggeman

Pumpkin Palooza, an event created and hosted by the Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) Sabers, was held on Oct. 27 in the Cowden-Paxton Building parking lot. The event went from 7:30 p.m. to approximately 11 p.m., with a variety of fun events taking place.

The first thing I saw when I walked into the parking lot was the different game stations that were set up, as well as the hands-on craft sections. With foam pumpkin carving, paint stations and many others, there were numerous stations that people went to and enjoyed. 

Next up were the game setups located outside. Firstly, there were two cornhole games set up so that four people could play at a time. Next, similar games to cornhole for basketball, with each net representing a different number of points. Finally, a cake walk. For the cake walk, contestants would start by standing on a number and then walk in a circle as music plays. When the music is paused, all contestants stop walking around the circle and a number is called. Whoever's number is called would be the winner of that round. The cake walk lasted for as many rounds as did the cakes. 

Not to be glossed over was the costume contest that was held as well. All attendees were encouraged to come in costumes and encouraged to compete in said contest. This year there were numerous people who showed up in a multiplicity of costumes, many of whom competed in the costume contest. The costumes ranged from characters like the Lorax and Scarface to inflatable costumes and group costumes like Alvin and the chipmunks. 

Finally, the main attraction of the event was the pumpkin hunt that took place within Cowden Paxton. The second floor was covered in all sorts of Halloween themed decorations, with pumpkins hidden throughout the rooms. Each pumpkin represented a different prize that would be awarded to the contestant who found the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Palooza is a fun event that is held yearly by Sabers in conjunction with Student life on campus. Be sure to attend next year and to enjoy all of the festivities of this event. You will not want to miss it.