by Montana – For the 30th consecutive year, a pumpkin has mysteriously appeared atop the spire of the University of Montana’s Main Hall, keeping alive a decades-long prank that has baffled students and staff alike.
A Tradition Since 1995
The pumpkin has been placed on the Missoula campus spire each year since 1995, usually under the cover of night during homecoming celebrations. Despite years of speculation, the identities of the pranksters have remained a closely guarded secret — until recently, when a climber offered some insight in an anonymous interview with NBC Montana.
Clues from an Anonymous Climber
According to the climber, the ascent begins with the rear fire escape, followed by careful navigation of the clock structure and the sloped green roof tiles, which can become dangerously slippery in fall weather.
“Just using parts of the clock until you’re right at the top, and as you can see the green roof is just some sort of roof tile that if it has any condensation, like it usually does in a fall day or a fall night, it’s pretty slippery,” the climber said.
The operation involves a whole team of climbers and assistants, coordinated under the cover of night.
“Multiple lookouts all throughout campus, middle of the night, then two climbers up top, everyone looking out for UM P-D with radios and group texts what have you,” they explained.
University Attempts to Ensure Safety
Over the years, the university has tried to make the tradition safer by hiring professionals to place the pumpkin, ensuring students are not put at risk.
“The university has hired some outsourced people to put it up safely and not put students at risk, but being climbers we still try to race them to do it first,” the climber said.
Despite these safety measures, the prank remains a highly anticipated event among students and alumni, adding to the lore of the University of Montana.
The Enduring Mystery
Even after three decades, the pumpkin on the spire continues to captivate the campus community, blending tradition, skill, and secrecy. The combination of teamwork, daring climbs, and careful timing ensures that the pumpkin’s appearance remains one of the school’s most enduring and playful mysteries.
Do you think the pumpkin prank should continue, or is it time to retire the tradition? Share your thoughts in the comments at race-day-live.com.
