Annual Pumpkin Palooza Held Again Successfully

The Capital Region community gathered at Hudson Valley for the annual Pumpkin Palooza Fall Festival on Oct. 25.

The event kicked off at 5:30 p.m. and it was sponsored by the Student Senate. It was free to the public and included refreshments and snacks, two bouncy houses, carnival games, face painting, a magic show, and a DJ. There was also a man making balloon animals, a photo booth, and a free raffle for a boys and girls bike.

The Pumpkin Palooza Fall Festival encouraged children and family members to dress up and come in their Halloween costumes.

Balarin and Eileen Maloney, Technical Assistant, agreed that the night was very successful.

“The event started four years ago. We wanted a display of pumpkins for the community to see, and each year the Student Senate has expanded [the event],” said Alex Popovics, the Vice President for Student Development.

Popovics said that, two years ago, there were 50 pumpkins at Pumpkin Palooza. Last year, there were 90 pumpkins, and this year, there were over 108 carved pumpkins.

The first year of Pumpkin Palooza, there were only carved pumpkins displayed at the student center. The second year was when the event took place outside, with activities and refreshments. The third and fourth year, the Student Senate moved the event inside to avoid weather problems.

“Two years ago we had 390 people show up [to the Pumpkin Palooza], last year we had 563 people, [and] this year it’s over 600 people and, by the end of the night, close to 800 people,” Popovics said.

Taylor Case, a toddler who came to the event, was dressed up as Jessie from “Toy Story.” It was her second time coming to the event and she said that her favorite activity was the bouncy house.

Lilly Biette was another toddler who came to Pumpkin Palooza with her parents. She was dressed up as a cowgirl and said she her favorite event was the magic show.

“The event was a definite positive and exceeded our expectations. There was something for everyone with a variety of activities. There were a lot of smiles and we touched on a lot of people and places,” Maloney said.

More photos from this year’s Pumpkin Palooza