BONNERS FERRY — All eyes turned skyward as a massive pumpkin dangled high above the crowd gathered at Boundary Tractor. Children and adults watched in anticipation as the 1,350-pound giant was positioned over another enormous pumpkin waiting below. 

As the crowd counted down, the pumpkin was released, crashing onto its 1,200-pound target and sending pieces flying across the pavement. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and within moments, children and adults rushed toward the smashed pumpkins, eager to collect seeds and haul away chunks of the orange wreckage. 

The smashing spectacle was part of Boundary Tractor's Great Pumpkin Drop, held Friday, Oct. 30, as one of several Halloween weekend activities throughout Boundary County. 

Boundary Tractor owner Cal Russell said the unusual tradition began more than 20 years ago, although the event isn't held every year. 

"Over 20 years, but not every year because we don't always get a big pumpkin," Russell said. 

The pumpkins were grown by Rick Maggi of Paradise Valley and a young neighbor named Paisley. Russell explained that Maggi typically takes his giant pumpkins to competitions, including the Washington State Fair in Puyallup. 

This year, however, Maggi had another commitment, leaving two enormous pumpkins available for the community event. 

Russell recalled that the tradition began when Maggi offered him a giant pumpkin to display at the business. 

"We bring it down, and then we thought, well, geez, that's kind of boring. Let's do something with it," Russell said. 

That first drop involved smashing the pumpkin onto an old John Deere lawn tractor, and a Boundary County tradition was born. 

While the event has evolved over the years, its purpose remains simple. 

"There's no real purpose to it other than just mindless fun," Russell said. 

And fun was certainly on display Friday as families gathered to watch the giant pumpkins meet their spectacular end. 

Even residents of the Boundary County Restorium joined in the excitement, arriving by bus to watch the action. 

For many spectators, the fun didn't end when the pumpkins hit the ground. 

Flora Garcia and Sherrie Duncan were among those collecting pieces of the smashed pumpkins to take home. The women explained that the pumpkin pieces wouldn't go to waste. Instead, they planned to feed them to their deer. 

Asked whether they would return for another Pumpkin Drop, the answer was an enthusiastic "Oh yeah." 

Russell said collecting seeds has become a popular part of the tradition, with spectators hoping to grow giant pumpkins of their own.  

The event even attracts interest from outside Boundary County. Russell said a woman from Libby contacted him after hearing about the drop, hoping to get some seeds. 

Others take home pumpkin pieces for their animals, with Russell noting that some visitors have collected enough to fill an entire pickup bed. 

With laughter, excitement and plenty of pumpkin pieces to go around, the Great Pumpkin Drop once again provided Boundary County residents with a memorable way to celebrate Halloween weekend. 

    Flora Garcia and Sherrie Duncan show off pieces of giant pumpkin collected during the Great Pumpkin Drop at Boundary Tractor on Friday, Oct. 30. The women planned to take the pumpkin pieces home to feed their deer.

    Children and adults gather around the remains of two giant pumpkins, collecting seeds and pieces to take home following the Great Pumpkin Drop.