TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Families and students gathered at Hudson Valley Community College on Thursday for the 16th annual Pumpkin Palooza. The celebration kicked off with engineering students competing in a pumpkin launch using custom-built catapult-like machines.

Students said they were excited to use the skills they learned in class.

"The school does a really good job of giving us spaces to work on it," HVCC Engineering Club Pres. Noah James said. "I think, without the proper space, there's no way we could have done it. It simplified it tremendously. Having all the tools that we would need in one spot, allowing us to work out that one room and build what you see there."

Families also took part in a pumpkin decorating contest and free festival that was packed with Halloween games and pr

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