Keene State students gathered to carve pumpkins and connect with the community on Saturday in one of Student Government’s largest events this semester.
Pumpkin Palooza, previously called Pumpkin Lobotomy, took place on both Fiske Quad and in front of the student center throughout the afternoon. All students could attend to carve pumpkins or interact with tables put up by KSC clubs.
Student Body Vice President Caitlin McCracken, explained how they planned Palooza with COVID-19 guidelines in mind.
“Sadly, we had to limit the amount of organizations we could offer to come and table at our event. We have about 15 tables at the Fiske Quad and about five at the student center lawn,” said McCracken.
McCracken said that the event did have a larger turnout last year, but that was expected because of the pandemic. She also said that these activities are even more important than they were last year because of the pandemic.
“COVID is the time where it’s harder to make connections. Having these events and providing opportunities for students to make connections is why we work so hard. It allows students to get outside of their dorms and get more involved,” said McCracken.
Students who did attend the event were greeted with an array of pumpkins to carve, supplies to dig into their pumpkin, small activities throughout the lawn and people to talk to about the clubs.
First-year Sarah Gobiel said the event was her favorite she has attended so far.
“I like the array of things that are here like the free t-shirts and the different groups that are here with little activities to do,” said Gobiel.
First-year Isabella April echoed Gobiel’s thoughts and said the events help her find things to do with her group of friends because it can be difficult finding something to do with restrictions limiting how many people can be in one room at a time.
“It feels really nice to get out of my room and do something. My friends and I will get together and we will go do them. That’s really been good rather than trying to force something or find something that we can do outside,” said April.
Both also said that the campus activities allow students to meet and interact with new people.
“I know in a lot of my classes, you don’t really talk to people because of the circumstances, so it’s nice to be able to talk to my peers,” said Gobiel.
McCracken said that Student Government will continue to put on campus events for students until the end of the semester.
“So far this is the biggest event we have put on, so it’s pretty good to see that people are coming out. That’s one of the main reasons we are continuing to do events, we want to ensure that those who are coming out are having a good time,” said McCracken.
Student Government is hoping to put on Red and White Night as well as Spring Carnival. There will also be Halloween events during Halloweekend that are put on by the Student Involvement Office. All events are free to students and more information on them can be found on B2.
Kiana Joler can be contacted at:
kjoler@kscequinox.com
