GALLIPOLIS FERRY — When the month of October rolls around and Halloween approaches, the sight of pumpkins decorating front porches will again become common place and the students of Beale Elementary have taken a few of these familiar gourds under their wing to have a smashing good time.
On Thursday afternoon, the students of Beale Elementary School held their 12th Annual Pumpkin Drop. With the assistance of the Point Pleasant Fire Department, a normal pumpkin with no protection was released to show the students what would happen and of course, the pumpkin was destroyed.
Following the aftermath of the first drop were pumpkins wrapped in various materials, most in cardboard boxes with padding materials such as balloons and bubble wrap to cushion the fall. Beale Elementary Principal Patricia Brumfield stated there were 19 pumpkins total that were dropped, and once it hit the ground those unwrapping the pumpkins to check if they were still intact had one minute to do so, or the pumpkin was disqualified. A total of three pumpkins survived the fall and those gourds belonged to Josie Hill, Gracie Paul, and Kauri Porter.
Brumfield continued, saying each classroom designed a container of some kind to cushion their pumpkin. Fifth and sixth grade students also had the option to create one of their own. Several fourth graders also named their class pumpkin “Charlie” in honor of the Charlie Brown’s Great Pumpkin, who they cheered for. Other cushioning materials included bags of popcorn, towels, sawdust, plastic bags, and pool noodles.
It was stated the winners also have the opportunity to go on to a state competition. Brumfield also added students have also placed at the state competition in the past.













