Leslie Bautista, 18 from Long Branch, and Alexandra Lopez, 19 from Freehold, participate in painting pumpkins alongside fellow students and visitors as part of the pumpkin carving and painting contest held on Tuesday Oct. 21. During the contest, cider and a variety of donuts were available thanks to the Student Life Board.

There are often 40 to 60 participants at specialized activities. About 100 pumpkins were gathered for the purpose of this event with a portion of them donated and dispersed amongst the regional locations to promote inclusivity.

Two Monmouth County officers pose with their own painted pumpkins as they partake in the community event. Having been a success the previous year, the board used allotted funds to put together Halloweek, a week of Halloween related events at Brookdale, to foster community and connection amongst the cohort.

Aaliyah Caraballo, 18 from Perth Amboy, and Gracie Peter, 18 from Manalapan, put the finishing touches on their carving contest entry. Only those with valid Brookdale IDs can enter for a chance to win prizes including gift cards.