Mercer’s chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity continued a years-long tradition this Sunday, Oct. 21 when they hosted their annual Pumpkin Bust. This year the event was in support of Feeding America, a non-profit dedicated to servicing food banks nationwide.
The Pumpkin Bust consists of a pumpkin themed flag competition and a general competition.
Several fraternity and sorority programs (FSP) paid to participate. Competing in various events including pumpkin themed mini games such as hitting pumpkin chunks with bats, smashing pumpkins with mallets, and running in circles with a pumpkin on one’s head. The competing FSP teams attempted to get the most points for their group by winning the most events. The grand finale was a tug-of-war bracket, where every team had to go head-to-head, while avoiding falling into pumpkin flesh and guts.
“We ended up with 15 teams, which is the most we’ve ever had," said Will Spurlock '26, a Lambda member. This is Spurlock's third year organizing the pumpkin bust. “We’re hoping to donate around $2,000," said Spurlock. "I am super grateful to have the opportunity to host the event again," he said, after noting that it was "slightly chaotic, but everything worked out."
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority won the pumpkin-themed flag event, with their flag parodying the band Smashing Pumpkins their album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. The winners of the general competition was group Bad Witches, a collaboration effort between sorority Chi Omega and showrunners Lambda Chi Alpha.
Jacob Hossler '28 is majoring in Biology with a potential English minor. In his free time he enjoys photography, writing, and playing tennis and soccer.
