Fall Fun Awaits: 16th Annual Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Campus
October 9, 2025
Hudson Valley Community College is welcoming the community to campus for the 16th annual Pumpkin Palooza celebration on Thursday, Oct. 23. All events are free and open to the public.
To begin the day, Engineering Science A.S. students will compete in the annual Pumpkin Launch using catapults they have designed and built. The competition will take place in the Veteran’s Memorial Flagpole quad from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The college will also host its annual Pumpkin Decorating Competition from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Siek Campus Center. Pumpkins decorated by student clubs, academic departments and administrative offices will be displayed, and food and music will be provided.
The day concludes with the popular Pumpkin Palooza Family Festival which takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the McDonough Sports Complex Field House. Ideal for children, the Halloween-themed festival includes a variety of kid-friendly games and prizes, music, refreshments, a balloon artist, illusionist, caricature drawing, and more. All are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes and enjoy a variety of activities. Each child will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a brand-new bike.
“We are thrilled to bring our campus and greater community together for the 16th annual Pumpkin Palooza celebration,” said Hudson Valley Community College President Michael Brophy. “This longstanding, cherished tradition of the college is a terrific way to connect with local families and friends while celebrating the season in a safe, fun and creative way. I’m grateful to our Student Senate for demonstrating their leadership by giving back to the community by hosting this event and ensuring hundreds of local families enjoy the season in a special way.”
Sponsored by the college’s Student Senate, the festival has grown to become a fun tradition for neighboring families and friends of the college. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the college’s food pantry. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.