The leaves have changed, the air smells of burning leaves and witches are popping up in the strangest of places, but until the annual SAC Pumpkin Carving Contest, it just isn’t Halloween!

Last night at about 5:30 p.m., the contest got under way. The people slowly trickled in until, finally, the tables were packed with students trying out their artistic talents.

Laughter and ideas were abounding as students tried to come up with images that would win the first place prize.

A wide variety of people, ranging from the track team to ROTC to art majors were all there, showing support and carving some pumpkins.

Candice Lampkin talked about the track team’s pumpkin, which sported the UT logo and the track team’s insignia, a foot.

“Anyone can carve a scary face, but it takes a lot to show your school spirit!”,said Lampkin, a sophomore from Nashville, “For this we really put our hands and feet into it.”

SGA President Eric Tolbert also got into the action, doing his best to carve out UT in his somewhat stubborn pumpkin.

“I have never done this before and I really wanted to see what it was like,” remarked Tolbert, a junior from Rossville.

Patti Hendry a sophomore from Sommerville also had something to add about the ROTC pumpkin.

“We just wanted to advertise the ROTC program for some possible recruitment, and have some fun.”

At the end, ballerinas, traditional Halloween scenes, UTM insignias, and more all made all an appearance.

Finally, the winners were announced to to a very enthusiastic crowd.

Adam Wynne of Fairview won third place and $25, Kenneth Smith of Bartlett won second place and $50, and Kara Johnston of Martin walked away with first place and $75.

Congratulations to the winners and thanks to everyone who participated for making this a fantastic contest.