On Oct. 25, students at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) were able to show off their artistic talent with a pumpkin carving contest in the Dining Commons. More than 20 pumpkins were carved and displayed, and students were also given the opportunity to vote on their favorite carving. The winner of the contest received a $20 gift card to Monte’s.
The wide variety of designs on the pumpkins made for a fun, festive sight; everything from memes to traditional spooky pumpkin faces were featured. Many participants worked for several hours on their design in order to get their pumpkin looking just how they wanted.
For some, this contest was especially fun because many students carved pumpkins for Halloween as a family tradition. For others, it was a new experience and had not carved a pumpkin many times in the past. I was surprised to talk to a few people who had, in fact, never carved a pumpkin before.
“I’ve never done this before, to be honest,” said one such individual, first year student, Courtni Branch. “But it’s fun. It’s easier than I thought it would be.” Many students shared this attitude and had a great time at the contest.
The pumpkin carving event isn’t the only Halloween-themed event that CSUMB has offered the past few weeks. On Oct. 30, there was a fall festival in Divarty Quad with food, photos, games and other fun activities. On Oct. 31, the challenge obstacle course was open during the night for students to come in costume and try out the challenge course. There was also an American Horror Story-themed haunted house set up in the University Center ballroom.