By Rebecca Groen (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: November 2, 2011
“Just call me Peter Pumpkin Head,” said programmer for Student Life Martin Kelly, surrounded by gourds of all shapes, sizes, and faces at U-House where UFV’s annual pumpkin carving contest took place between October 26 and 28.
“Why do this? Because it’s fun!” Kelly exclaimed. “If you think you’re too cool for something like this, that’s hogwash!” Though in past years attendance has been lacking, Kelly made sure to note that the contest is always open to all students. And there are perks to participation: prizes and bragging rights all year for the carver of the winning pumpkin – as well as access to freshly baked pumpkin seeds.
Other Halloween festivities at UFV included a campus-wide trick-or-treating event which took place on October 31. “Because,” as Kelly noted, “the only protection against zombies is candy and UNICEF donations.” Students were invited to head to U-House that day in their best costumes to join in the fun. And last but not least was the fifth Annual Pumpkin Chuck on November 1, where pumpkins were disposed of in a stress-relieving operation.
“We’re trying to promote a vibrant campus community,” said Kelly. “Student Life should be the nexus for different cultural interests, and cultural events like Diwali, Ramadan, Thanksgiving, and Hallowe’en should be enjoyed by all students.”
