Tables with pumpkins, hot chocolate, and crafts filled the Elon community garden for the university’s annual Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 25. From the moment it began attendees from the university and local town were greeted with music and activities.
Sophomore Ella Swafford said it was her first time at the event.
“I love it with the music and everything. It's very fall,” Swafford said.
Her mother, Julie Swafford, also attended the festival with her.
“I love that so many people came out and I love the variety,” Julie said. “There are so many different things to do and activities for everybody. I think it's fantastic.”
Elon’s Sustainability office and other programs took part by setting tables up for people to learn about the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable environment.
Eco-Rep and junior Virginia Campbell represented the Office of Sustainability with a table for guests to make lanterns out of recyclable items. Attendees also had the opportunity to take a piece of the garden with them.
“We’ve also got ‘I heart Earth’ pins, if you put them in the ground they’ll grow wildflowers,” Campbell said.
Elon alumnus Gabe Germain performs live music on Oct. 25 at the Community Garden for the Pumpkin Festival.
Throughout the event, various music groups and artists performed. A cappella group Melentated Melodies sang two songs, including “Better Place” from the Disney movie “Trolls.” The audience clapped along and swayed to the beat as they immersed themselves in the performance.
Sophomore Joy Abijah said she is excited to sing at the event today because it's like an introduction to the new season.
“The song has the vibe of fall, I guess the songs emanate that theme,” Abijah said.
As the festival ended, attendees showed off their pumpkin creations ranging from spooky to playful, with everything from grinning jack-o’-lanterns to beautifully carved autumn scenes.