On Thursday, Oct. 23, the Campus Activities Board hosted “Carve n’ Chill” from 6 to 8 p.m. The event was held in the Heyman Fine Arts Center Breezeway and was open to all Francis Marion University students.
Upon arrival, students showed their FMU student ID cards to claim their pumpkin, which was reserved via Google Forms. Once names were accounted for on the checklist the fun began.
“Alright guys, who’s ready to carve some pumpkins?!” said Student Life Specialist Dominik Khilji.
Pumpkins were stored in “The Great Pumpkin” bulk bins and students chose their favorite. Each student was also given an LED tealight candle to make their jack-o’-lantern. This is a safer alternative to flammable candles since they are smaller and less likely to be a fire hazard. They also provide less heat, which prevents the pumpkin from drying out or rotting as quickly.
Tables with festive Halloween tablecloths adorned the area. There was a small orange pouch placed at each seat containing a pumpkin carving kit. Inside was a small, serrated saw for cutting, a scraper to remove the pulp and seeds, a poker for designing and various other tools. A fun stencil with stickers was also provided.
The activity proved to be messy as expected. Blue tarps were laid on the ground for the removal of the innards. The scraper, while helpful, could only do so much, making most students resort to using their hands. They made jokes and expressed various levels of disgust as this process was conducted. The slimy and stringy texture can be intense but some would argue that’s part of the experience.
Music was played on a speaker and made the event even more lively and entertaining. One of the most noteworthy songs played was “Beautiful Boy” by ex-Beatle John Lennon. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen was another hit and crowd favorite. Students sang along happily to the lyrics.
The jack-o’-lanterns looked incredible and featured diverse designs ranging from heart eyes to ghosts to Pikachu. The pumpkins were featured proudly on FMU Campus Activities Board’s Instagram page.
CAB also provided a helpful tip to make the pumpkins last longer:
Apply petroleum jelly—Vaseline, CeraVe and Aquaphor—to the cut edges to slow down aging. This will lock in moisture. Also, washing the outside of the pumpkin thoroughly with soap and water can help to remove dirt—but be sure to dry it completely afterwards. Additionally, using a bleach or vinegar solution will kill any mold growing inside your jack-o’-lantern. Alternatively, use a diluted peppermint dish soap mixture to slow decomposition. Be sure to place your pumpkin in a cool, shady spot away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration will further preserve the pumpkin.
“I’m really glad I decided to come out for this event. It’s been a lot of fun,” said Allysa Powers, a local 20-year-old artist.
At the end of the evening, students took their creations home. According to students, CAB held a successful and joyous event. For more events like this, visit FMU’s event calendar or contact Khilji via email.