UTM Housing will host its second pumpkin carving contest Thursday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Browning/Ellington circle. All UTM Housing residents are invited to compete in the contest.

Residents will be allowed to compete individually, or in teams of two or three (maximum).

Upon entering the contest, UTM Housing will provide residents with one pumpkin and carving supplies including 12 patterns, one sculpting tool, two saws, one drill, one poker, one scoop and a crayon.

“This is a great opportunity to have a friendly competition and just hang out with friends or meet new people,” says Ryan Martin, UTM Assistant Director of Residence Life. “All the residents have to do is show up and have a great time.”

Prizes will be awarded to the top three team residents who place. First place winner(s) will win a Domino’s Pizza party and a DVD prize pack containing the movies “Scarface: Platinum Edition,” “X-Men 3: Collector’s Edition” and “The Lake House.”

Second place winner(s) will each receive a college survival kit including Red Bull energy drinks, Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos, Kool Aid, Ramen Noodles, Twinkies, assorted cereals, Slim Jims, fruit snacks, Pringles, chocolate chip granola bars, Easy Mac and other treats. Third place winner(s) will each receive a bucket of Halloween candy and treats.

Martin says the contest was largely successful and a very entertaining event for residents in the years of 2000 and 2001 while he was an RA in Cooper Hall.

Martin says he thought it was a great idea to bring it back. “We used to do this every year and had a blast. I’m positive that current UTM housing residents will enjoy it as well,” adds Martin.

Last year’s first place winners were UTM residents Meredith Woodard, Sergio Bustillo and Rina Bustillo. The team of three carved a haunted house into their pumpkin with a willow tree that actually moved with the breeze.

“It was very cool,” said Martin.

Preceding the pumpkin contest will be the UTM Fall Fest, hosted by RAs Jake Seeley and Joseph Jones. Fall Fest will begin at 7 p.m. in the Browning/Ellington circle.

“I encourage residents to also attend the Fall Fest. There will be food, music and fire-pits (in case it’s cold) leading up to the pumpkin carving activities,” says Martin.

For more information on the pumpkin carving contest or the UTM Fall Fest email Martin at rmartin@utm.edu.