The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club is hosting its annual Pumpkin Smash event on Sunday, October 20, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Half Liter Beer and BBQ Hall on Winthrop Avenue. Now in its fourth year, the event is a fundraiser designed to support STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) projects in Midtown Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). Funds raised from the event will help provide resources and programs to schools including Shortridge High School, Purdue Polytechnic High School and Elementary Schools 43, 48 and 55.

“The idea was to find a fun, family-friendly way to raise money, and smashing pumpkins was the perfect solution,” said Judy Weerts Hall, senior director of public relations for the club. Attendees can take part in the iconic pumpkin drop from a 20-foot elevator, where they can smash pumpkins as hard as they can. “It’s very cathartic,” Weerts Hall added. Participants can even personalize their pumpkins by writing words or drawing on them before smashing them.

For those who prefer to stay on the ground or are under 18, there are smaller splash pads where kids can safely smash pumpkins. “We have lots of family activities planned, including games, crafts, a costume parade and a Silly Safaris show,” Weerts Hall said. In addition to these activities, there will also be a silent auction, now live on the event website, featuring a range of items up for auction.

The event is supported by local sponsors, including Half Liter, who are donating the venue and hosting a “dine to donate” initiative as part of the fundraiser. The pumpkins are supplied by the Waterman Family Farm on the southeast side, which helps keep costs manageable. “We are grateful to our sponsors and it is great to see the community come together to support these important educational projects,” said Weerts Hall.

Tickets for the Pumpkin Smash event can be purchased online and more information is available at brkc.org. All proceeds from the event go toward supporting STEAM initiatives at participating schools, helping teachers fund projects through platforms like DonorsChoose, which connects educators and donors. “It’s all about giving students the tools they need to succeed,” Weerts Hall said.