Whether it's a turnip or pumpkin, we have been carving spooky designs into foods for centuries. The name "Jack-O'-Lantern" dates all the way back to the 17th century, directly translating to "man with a lantern," or what we might call today, a night watchman.
This tradition still lives on, which is why the Student Center patio was filled with eager pumpkin-carving contest participants on Oct. 29.
At the event, students were able to create all kinds of fun and spooky designs to celebrate Halloween at EMU.
Not only could students participate in pumpkin-carving, they could also listen to music provided by DJ LiXxer, take Halloween photos in the photo booth, enjoy free hot chocolate and apple cider and enter giveaways from Amazon and the EMU Bookstore.
Makenna Giles, Marketing Coordinator for the Student Center, helped organize the event this year.
"This is my first time hosting the event," Giles said. "I am so excited to see everyone's creativity and competitive side!"
Giles hopes that this event allowed students to channel their inner child and take a break from schoolwork.
“You are never too old for pumpkin carving,“ she said. "I hope students use this event to destress from school and life. Everyone needs a creative break sometimes.”
Krysta Mahl, a first year grad student at EMU, participated in the fun.
“I’m new to town, so I really haven’t done any of the Halloween stuff yet," Mahl said. “I saw there was a pumpkin carving event and I’d like to have a pumpkin for my front porch, so I figured I’d join.”
Krysta designed a very cute pumpkin with a cat-eye look.
“I tried to do a normal face and I messed up one of the eyes, so then I decided it was going to have makeup on," she said.
Ashley Castillo won Best Pumpkin Overall and took home a Kindle Fire 7 and a $50 EMU Bookstore gift card.
Kayleigh Belanger won Best EMU Pumpkin and Michael Roland won Scariest Pumpkin. Both received 2 free tickets to Ken Jeong's upcoming comedy show at the Convocation Center.
Samantha Johnson, RHA’s executive vice president of public relations and marketing, believes this event is a great way for EMU students to celebrate the Halloween season.
“I think that pumpkins on the patio is a great resource for students to interact with each other and enjoy the fall weather and festivities," Johnson said.
Even though Pumpkin Carving on the Patio is over this year, don’t fret. It shows no signs of stopping. Keep your eyes open for next year’s contest.
To see more photos of the event and to be notified about upcoming events, follow @emustudentcenter on Facebook or Instagram.
