Discovery Park of America welcomed University of Tennessee at Martin students, faculty, staff and Discovery Park members to a festive Halloween event on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.

The celebration, held at Pumpkin Village, featured a variety of fall-themed activities, contests and an outdoor screening of the beloved film Halloweentown.

Discovery Park of America, a world-class museum located in Union City, Tennessee, is a facility dedicated to inspiring curiosity and lifelong learning among people of all ages. Spanning over 100,000 square feet, the museum is filled with interactive exhibits on science, technology, agriculture, history and art. Overall, Discovery Park gives visitors of all ages and backgrounds the chance to explore, learn and discover something new within an engaging environment.

This event in particular aimed to bring together the local community and the UT Martin family for an evening filled with seasonal fun and togetherness. Guests enjoyed an array of activities designed to capture the spirit of Halloween while highlighting Discovery Park’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and education.

For many attendees, the night was about more than just pumpkins and popcorn; it was a chance to connect with others in a unique setting. UT Martin student Paige Powers, a freshman veterinary science major, shared how much she appreciated the event and its atmosphere.

“Going allowed me to have a wonderful time with my friends, and being able to see other UTM students was a plus,” said Powers. “I love Discovery Park, especially as a current student studying within the agriculture department, as their emphasis on showcasing the importance of the agriculture industry and this event brought both the fun and excitement of educating others together!”

The evening also marked a special milestone for Discovery Park employee Rayanna Fleenor, who has been a part of the organization for four years and played a major role in organizing the event.

“This event is a passion I have worked toward in the four years I have worked here,” Fleenor said. “Last year we had a movie night, and this year we all boomed with so many fun ideas, and the turnout couldn’t be better! We couldn’t do it without our community!”

With music, contests and the charm of Pumpkin Village as a backdrop, the Halloween celebration successfully blended entertainment with community spirit, making it an evening to remember for all who attended.