UTM Housing sponsored its annual Fall Fest Thursday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. in the lobby of Browning Hall. Housing residents enjoyed s’mores and hot chocolate before competing in the organization’s annual pumpkin carving contest at 8 p.m.

Tables were set with pumpkins and the 20 residents who entered the contest were given one hour to carve a stenciled image, or an image of their choice, into a pumpkin. Residents worked in groups of up to three and carved everything from traditional pumpkin faces to haunted houses, cats, bats and even human profiles.

Carvings were judged by Assistant Director of Resident Life Ryan Martin, Browning Hall Director Jimmy Hubbard and Residence Life Student Assistant Jeanetta Anderson-Hardy.

“There were so many unique carvings that we really had a hard time judging them,” said Hubbard. “In the end, we gave away more prizes than we intended.”

Housing awarded three first place spots, three second place spots, three third place spots for a total of nine prize packages. The ultimate first place spot was awarded to Clement Hall resident Aaron Herrera for his carved pumpkin titled “Baby Daddy,” which featured a small carved pumpkin inside of a larger pumpkin. Herrera received the DVD Lake House and two Domino’s pizzas.

Browning Hall residents Yevgeniy Radetskiy and carving partner Rina Bustillo also placed first. The pair carved a memorial tribute pumpkin in honor of the late Steve Irwin, also known as the “Crocodile Hunter.” They were awarded a Scarface: Platinum Edition DVD and two Domino’s pizzas. Paul Thames, resident of Ellington Hall, also claimed a first place spot for his carving of a raccoon standing inside a pumpkin. He received an X-Men: Collectors Edition DVD and two Domino’s pizzas.

Meredith Woodard of Browning Hall and partner Sergio Bustillo of Cooper Hall placed second in the contest, as did partners Torrie Helm and Jake Seeley, both Browning Hall residents. Steven Jones of Browning Hall also placed second. Second place winners were awarded college survival kits.

Third place winners included partners Rachael Alavarez and Caitie Gussenhoven, both of Ellington Hall, and Andrey Yesipov and Belisa DeBrito of Browning Hall. Third place winners received a large bucket of Halloween candy and treats.

Martin says the 2006 Fall Fest was a success considering weather conditions. Original plans for the festival, which included grilling out in the Browning/Ellington circle and a live band performance, faltered due to Thursday’s continual rainy weather.

“We thought about re-scheduling but we knew everyone including the residents would be busy participating in Homecoming activities all during next week,” said Martin.

H-3 Browning Resident Assistant Joe Jones, who helped organize the Fall Fest, said, “We’re disappointed that the weather didn’t coincide with our outdoor plans for the festival but everyone who came seemed to have a great time. UTM Housing is pleased with the turn-out and we thank everyone who participated.”