Pumpkin Palooza: A Spooktacular Success at UConn Health!

UConn Health's Pumpkin Palooza returned on October 30, filling the Center Courtyard with fall vibes, artistic flair, and spirited competition! Under a clear autumn sky, employees, students, residents, and volunteers gathered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate creativity, community, and all things pumpkin. And with donuts and cider on hand, the treats made it a feast for both eyes and taste buds!

Here’s a look at the highlights that made this year’s Palooza one to remember:

1. In-Person Pumpkin Entries: The Center Courtyard turned into an art gallery of pumpkins, each one decorated with incredible detail and a dash of spooky fun! Teams and individuals alike brought their creative "a-maize-ing" skills, displaying everything from traditional jack-o’-lanterns to elaborate themes that captured the Halloween spirit. Laughter and cheers filled the courtyard as participants proudly showcased their pumpkins for everyone to admire and vote on.
2. Virtual Pumpkin Submissions: Our remote community also joined in on the fun! From spooky to downright hilarious, photo and video submissions from around campus and beyond made this Palooza a truly inclusive event. These virtual entries added a unique twist to the competition, allowing everyone to feel part of the festivities.
3. Courtyard Voting and Flu Shots: Guests hearted/voted for their favorite pumpkin entries virtually via Padlet, sparking friendly rivalries and lots of smiles. To add to the wellness theme, an on-site flu shot drive was available, rounding out the event with a dose of care for our community. Donuts and community spirit fueled the event, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere celebrating the season and the UConn Health family.

Pumpkin Palooza captured the essence of fall with an exciting blend of art, community spirit, and health-conscious fun. With pumpkins, donuts, and flu shots, it was an afternoon to remember at UConn Health!