The State Capitol Building hosted the 12th annual Capital City Pumpkin Drop, hosted by the Education Alliance. Since 1998, students from all over West Virginia have used their creativity and math, science and physics know-how to win this skillful competition. Nearly 900 elementary, middle school and high school students from 31 schools representing 14 counties tested their math and science skills to compete and see whose pumpkin would withstand the drop from the third floor roof of the main Capitol building in their homemade containers.
The pumpkins must be eight inches in diameter or larger and the inside of the pumpkin may not be altered. The contains must be designed so that the pumpkin may be removed for inspection by the ground crew quickly after hitting the ground, with public safety in mind and to prevent damage to Capitol Complex property. The Pumpkin Drop is judged by Alliance staff and the Bridgemont Community and Technical College in Montgomery, WV. Trophies and cash prizes were to be awarded to the winners whose pumpkins survived the fall and landed closest to the designated target.
