Annual Pumpkin Smash event to support STEAM programs in midtown Indianapolis schools The Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club will host its annual Pumpkin Smash for STEAM Cash on Sunday, October 19, at Half Liter BBQ, 5301 Winthrop Ave, from 3-6 p.m. The free event will raise money for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education in midtown Indianapolis schools.

STEAM programming uses hands-on experiences as teaching tools for children to learn important concepts, think creatively and find unique solutions to problems. Funds raised through the Pumpkin Smash will help maintain robotics, coding or science camps; provide technology and art project supplies; facilitate field trips and after-care programs benefiting IPS schools 43, 48, 55, 60, and 91, Shortridge High School and Purdue Polytechnic High School.

The event will feature a variety of pumpkin-themed activities for all ages. Children can paint mini pumpkins, do fall arts and crafts, wear their Halloween costume for a costume parade and enjoy a Silly Safari show.

Adults can enjoy pumpkin tosses from a lift, pumpkin smashes with mallets, live music from the Porchmen band and event merchandise.

Additional fundraising will be available before and during the event. An online auction will open the week prior to the event. It will feature Broad Ripple area merchandise and gift certificates, as well as food and drink items, and cultural and travel experiences. On the day of the event, Half Liter will host a "Dine to Donate" program in which a portion of sales will go toward STEAM efforts when mentioned to a server. Proceeds from event merchandise and activity-based purchases will go directly toward supporting STEAM.

For additional information about the Broad Ripple Kiwanis Club, please visit the club's website - https://www.brkc.org/pumpkin-smash/.