Story by Jessica Bostick, Assistant News Editor, and Tierra Reese, Contributing writer

Sigma Pi is back with its 26th annual fall festival set to take place at 1 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the intramural fields to raise money and awareness for the Sean Vernon Feliciano Amazing Day Foundation, a suicide awareness and prevention organization, and Donate Life.

Despite the 26 year history of this event, there have been a few changes made this year. In the past the event has targeted sorority member participation, however this year the entire Murray State student body and Calloway County community is encouraged to visit and watch the competition between sororities.

Tyler Pippin, Sigma Pi president, said their efforts have ranged from working a table in the Curris Center together to seeking donations from local businesses to donating their own time and money to ensure the success of the event.

He said Sigma Pi’s festival will have numerous events such as tug of war, a scarecrow walk off and a pumpkin pie contest judged by Sigma Pi chapter director, Wyatt Alverson, coordinator of Greek life and student leadership programs, Evan Ditty, and coordinator of student activities, Jeannie Morgan. The brothers of Sigma Pi and the participating teams will dress with themed costumes for various activities.

The annual pumpkin throwing contest will also take place, but this year with a twist. Teams will throw their pumpkins using a catapult.

“The pumpkin catapult is a 12-foot catapult made from lumber that is going to work with a system of weights to allow differences in how far girls will be able to launch their pumpkins,” Pippin said. “It’s something that we are extremely excited about and believe will be a staple of Fall Fests to come.”

Last year, Sigma Pi’s chapter raised $1,450 for the Amazing Day Foundation, more than doubling the $665 that had been raised the previous year. This year the brothers of Sigma Pi have set a goal to raise a minimum $2,000. All proceeds will go toward Sean Vernon Feliciano Amazing Day Foundation and Donate Life.

For $50, fall festival attendants can make a team of 10 members. The event is free to attend with T-shirts, water and chili to be sold at the event.

  “According to statistics, the number two killer of college-age students is suicide,” Pippin said. “Due to the higher rates of suicide among college students, they require a higher degree of attention than the general public. The Amazing Day Foundation aims to enlist the help of volunteers and educational institutions to help students effectively deal with depression, encouraging them to choose life when it may seem like death is the only option.”