As the Pumpkin Fest grew and became more popular its mission became less about community and more about beating and maintaining the Guiness World Record for most lit jack-o-laterns in one space.
- “The Guiness World Record Book of World Records has already listed Keene asthe record holder for most lit jack-o-lanterns category based on last years event. “They gave us a whole page” Sporborg says “You can’t get better PR then that”
Sheehan, Jonathan. “So Many Pumpkins, So Many People.” The Keene Sentinel, October 1996
KIC Document
Alcohol related arrests have been a big problem on campus over the past 20 years. Binge drinking was one of the main causes of the mob mentality at the 2014 festival. These news articles show that Keene’s issues with alcohol related arrests was nothing new.
- “92 percent of arrests alcohol, drug related”
Cooper, Jonathan. “New Approach Needed For Alcohol Use.” The Keene Sentinel, October 9, 1996