Record Attendance at SMLI's 2nd Annual Pumpkin Smash

Manhasset, NY – The Science Museum of Long Island’s (SMLI) 2nd Annual Pumpkin Smash Fall Festival broke attendance records this past Sunday, drawing over 550 attendees for a day of pumpkin smashing, fun activities, and community connection. Held on a gorgeous fall day at Leeds Pond Preserve, the event saw families and community members come together to celebrate the season and support local conservation and educational efforts.

The Pumpkin Smash Fall Festival was packed with exciting activities, from the Pumpkin Bat-Smash, Pumpkin Drop-Kill, Pumpkin Bowling and the fan-favorite Pumpkin Slingshot. Attendees brought their old pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, and gourds to dispose of them in a fun, eco-friendly way, with all pumpkin waste generously composted after the event by Orkestra Farm at the Planting Fields.

Throughout the event, favorite local bands Tucker Woods Music and Potato Phoenix filled the preserve with energetic sound and classic hits, keeping the crowd moving and spirits high throughout the afternoon. Sid’s Food Truck served up a mouth-watering variety of dishes that had visitors returning for seconds, while Barrier Brewing Company kept spirits high with their fall-inspired selection of beer and cider. Festivalgoers enjoyed delicious flavors that paired perfectly with the warm, sunny autumn weather.

SMLI was honored to welcome several local leaders, including Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti, Receiver of Taxes Mary Jo Collins, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, and Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen Desena. Many of these representatives reminisced about their own children attending SMLI’s programs and camps when they were younger. Comptroller Elaine Phillips, a former Board Trustee of SMLI, also expressed her continued pride in the museum’s work in education and conservation.

All proceeds from the event go to the Chris Holmes Memorial Scholarship and Conservation Fund, which provides scholarships to our 8-week Science Summer Camp for families who might not otherwise have the chance to send their children to SMLI’s unique summer experience on the Leeds Pond Preserve. Dr. Christopher Holmes’s own children have enjoyed SMLI camps and programs since they were young, embodying the fund’s mission of fostering a love of science and discovery. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of the community, this year’s festival promises to make an even greater impact on SMLI’s outreach and environmental stewardship initiatives.

"We are thrilled by the overwhelming turnout and grateful for the community's continued support," said Kristen Laird, Executive Director of SMLI. "It’s events like these that bring us all together, and we’re excited to keep building on this success."

The Science Museum of Long Island looks forward to making the Pumpkin Smash Fall Festival an even bigger tradition in the coming years, inviting all families to join in on the fun while helping our community and environment thrive. The Pumpkin Smash will be held annually on the first Sunday of November every year!

About the Science Museum of Long Island:

Located in Manhasset, NY, the Science Museum of Long Island is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring curiosity, discovery, and stewardship through hands-on science and environmental education. With engaging programs, community events, and impactful conservation initiatives, SMLI fosters a lifelong love for science and nature in children and families across Long Island.