Pumpkinmania

LEXINGTON Ky.—Transylvania University is really “pumping” up for this Halloween. Hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns have made for a spooky big PumpkinMania display on the steps of historic Old Morrison. The free public lighting ceremony and trick-or-treating was Oct. 27. The event—which is becoming a Lexington Halloween tradition—is a collaboration between the university and community. Transylvania invited local school children to participate in a carving contest and, of course, put their jack-o’-lanterns on display with the others. The school that brought the most carved pumpkins was recognized at the ceremony, and there was drawing for two participating classes to win a pizza party and $50 in educational supplies. Transylvania welcomed pumpkins carved by not just students—but the public in general. “PumpkinMania is a wonderful community event to celebrate Halloween,” said Michael Cronk, assistant director of career development and chair of the Staff Engagement Team, which organizes the event. “It’s about fun, creativity, and pure joy. And, let’s face it, there is  no better place to celebrate Halloween in Lexington than at a place called Transylvania. We hope to see you at the lighting.” Many of the jack-o’-lanterns go beyond the traditional ghoulish grin. Previous PumpkinManias have included a glowing black cat, a Darth Vader, and a spider web. In addition to helping Lexington get into the Halloween spirit, PumpkinMania is an example of Transylvania’s commitment to the local economy. The school community carved 300 pumpkins grown at a farm in nearby Garrard County. Kentucky

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LEXINGTON Ky.—What better place for a spooky jack-o’-lantern extravaganza than Transylvania? This year, Fayette County elementary school classes are invited to participate in the university’s Pumpkinmania Halloween celebration. The students will compete in a pumpkin carving contest that will transform the steps of historic Old Morrison into a frightfully awesome Halloween display. The university also will have trick-or-treating for the public on Oct. 28, the night of the pumpkin lighting. Everyone is invited to drive or walk by campus to see the display until Oct. 31. “Transylvania should be associated with Halloween like fireworks on the Fourth of July,” said Jeff Mudrak, human resources director. “It has one of the coolest names in higher education.” Not only will schoolchildren get to say they celebrated the holiday at you-know-where, but they’ll also see their jack-o’-lanterns glow alongside hundreds of others. “The best thing about it is to be able to look up and find your pumpkin and see how it fits in with the rest,” Office Services Coordinator Eric Ramsey said. “It’s just fun.” Some pumpkins from previous years included ones the university’s Department of Public Safety made to look like their safety officers; another participant carved Old Morrison’s façade. “We encourage people to be as creative as possible,” Ramsey said. Participating classes earn a chance to win a pizza party and $50 in educational supplies. Also, the school that provides the most carved pumpkins will receive special recognition. When entering

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