by Taylor Bryant and Rachel Williams
UWG alumna Janae Vancour's award-winning pumpkin carving.
Hundreds of children and their families and pets flocked to the University of West Georgia on Tuesday, October 29, for the University of West Georgia’s Safe Treat and sixth annual Carve on the Quad competition. Safe Treat, which began almost 20 years ago, is a carnival that allows UWG organizations to volunteer their time to provide a plethora of candy and fun filled activities for children in the Carrollton community. Skits and live music were even provided during the event.
Before Safe Treat kicked off, UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero judged the pumpkin-carving competition, Carve on the Quad. By the time children began arriving for the Safe Treat event, the jack-o-lanterns had been lit to greet them. The leftover pumpkin seeds were given to the UWG Green Elite Club on campus for a sustainability project they are working on, and nearly all of the carved pumpkins found homes with students and community members by the end of the night.
“Over 100 pumpkins were carved, and Dr. Marrero was an excellent judge for the event,” says Clint Samples, associate art professor and foundations coordinator. “We had 60 pumpkins created by Carrollton Elementary Students on display in addition to the ones carved by UWG students. Overall, it was a great Halloween event.”
The first place winner was UWG alumna Janae Vancour. Art majors Amy Smoot and Susanna Stone took second and third place in the carving competition. Charlotte McCauley won the Best Residence Hall Association Pumpkin. Merit awards were given to UWG students Emily Cummin, Megan York, Brandon Larson, Autumn Walters, Brandon Georges, Kaitlyn Buck and community member June Selby.
