Hundreds of Pumpkins and No Injuries Reported at 57th Annual Chagrin Falls’ Epic Annual Pumpkin Roll
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Chagrin Falls High School students carried on a long-standing local tradition Tuesday night with the 57th annual pumpkin roll, a community event that has become an emblem of fall in Northeast Ohio. The celebration saw dozens of upperclassmen gather on Grove Hill to roll, smash, and slide on hundreds of pumpkins, transforming the street into a sticky orange mess.
The pumpkin roll tradition, which began in 1967 as a prank by the class of '69, has since become an annual rite of passage for seniors in Chagrin Falls. "This tradition is something we look forward to every year," said one participant, noting that students and community members alike see it as a unique way to celebrate the season. The event's date is always kept a closely guarded secret, with students announcing it at the last moment.
While the event went smoothly this year, that’s not always the case. With unpredictable fall weather in Northeast Ohio, some years the pumpkin roll happens in rain or even snow, making Grove Hill dangerously slippery. In 2021, a teenager was injured and taken to the hospital, and there were four other calls to first responders about injuries during the event. Despite these incidents, the tradition endures as a spirited display of school pride, local pride, and seasonal fun.
To help manage the chaos, Chagrin Falls police were on hand Tuesday night, blocking off roads and keeping an eye on safety. Though the event isn’t exactly “legal,” police have come to recognize it as a unique community celebration. “It’s one of those things where so many people get involved, so we kind of let it ‘slide,’” joked one local officer. Their presence adds a layer of safety to what has historically been a rather risky event.
This year’s pumpkin roll was marked by its typical mix of controlled chaos and community spirit. Students collected pumpkins from across town before gathering at the top of Grove Hill. In addition to rolling and smashing the pumpkins, many participants brought sleds and used the pumpkin pulp to slide down the hill, embracing the gooey tradition with enthusiasm. Unlike in past years, no injuries or arrests were reported this time.
In recent years, students have taken on the responsibility of raising funds to cover fines and cleaning costs associated with the event, including overtime pay for village workers tasked with clearing the roadway afterward. This effort underscores a sense of accountability among participants, who aim to preserve the pumpkin roll as a cherished local event while respecting the community.
For those unable to attend, the entire event was live-streamed for nearly an hour and twenty minutes by Drone Ohio, a local aerial photography service based in Macedonia. The livestream, which provided sweeping views of the pumpkin roll from above, was shared widely on social media, allowing residents and former students to join in the fun remotely. Jeff Holbury, owner of Drone Ohio, frequently documents events across Northeast Ohio and has made it a mission to capture the spirit of the region through aerial footage.
The pumpkin roll has grown beyond its prank origins to become a symbol of the community’s character and quirky charm. As Holbury's footage circulated on platforms like Facebook and YouTube, comments poured in from past attendees and alumni who recalled their own memories of participating in the event. Many praised the students for keeping the tradition alive and looked forward to seeing it continue in future years.
