On Saturday, November 2, the LigerBots brought a Pumpkin Smasher for a fun event at City Hall.
A community tradition is held on the first Saturday after Halloween each year, where community members are invited to donate leftover Halloween items and smash leftover pumpkins. The pumpkins are then composted and recycled after the event has ended.

The pumpkin-smashing mechanism, designed and engineered exclusively by the LigerBots, features a wooden guillotine-like structure that adds a thrilling twist to the event.
Hundreds of community members showed up to donate their leftover pumpkins, and enjoyed the excitement of watching them get smashed! After each smash, the pumpkin remains are collected into a large compost pile, creating a uniquely satisfying sight for all spectators.
Alongside the pumpkin smashing, the LigerBots hosted three interactive STEAM activities: Skeleton Handprint, Binary Beads, and Slime. At these stations, students create binary bracelets, make slime, and design a creative X-ray handprint, while discovering the unique STEAM concepts behind each activity!

During the event, the LigerBots engaged with parents and students, sharing insights about our team and introducing FLL (First Lego League), a youth robotics league that offers a great starting point for younger kids interested in robotics.
Parents were also excited to learn about our upcoming FLL Qualifiers and Championships in the coming weeks, with the FLL Championship featuring a STEAM Expo packed with dozens of activities beyond those presented here!

When asked, the event managers reported that the event was an overwhelming success!
“The event was well staffed, and everybody got an opportunity to do what they wanted.” – Student Organizer, Abby Z.
“It was a really cool project, and I think the kids were really entertained by it” – Student Organizer, Sarah H.