Pumpkin Pump brings costumes, climbing and community

The Alaska Rock Gym will host its annual Halloween-themed bouldering competition, the Pumpkin Pump, on Saturday, Oct. 25. The all-day event features climbing, costumes and prizes.

 The gym’s operations manager Andi Schweers said the event is designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all climbers. 

The schedule includes a youth competition in the morning and an adult competition in the afternoon, ending with finals for top-level youth and adults.

Schweers said the finals are always a highlight, with advanced youth and open adult climbers putting on an exciting show.

This year’s competition will also feature nonbinary and para categories with podiums for every level from novice to open finalists.

 “The purpose of the Pumpkin Pump is to create an event where our community can come together in a way that we don’t usually get to with folks spread throughout the weeks,” Schweers said. 

“Everybody gets to try a whole bouldering area full of brand-new climbs that are funky and interesting in ways that are less common in a traditional commercial setting,” said Schweers. “It's a space for people to cheer each other on, swap strategies and showcase their creativity.”

 Prizes range from chalk buckets and local apparel to crash pads and free climbing shoes.

 Broken Tooth Brewing will provide free beverages starting at 5 p.m. Spectators are encouraged to stop by, even if they’ve never climbed before. 

 Students who want to try climbing can also take advantage of discounted day passes and memberships at the Alaska Rock Gym.