CHAGRIN FALLS -- For 40 years, the pumpkin roll in this quiet community has been as reliable as the changing leaves. But will this high school rite of passage roll on?
Last year, someone was seriously hurt watching students slide down Grove Hill on Main Street. The man from Solon was left in a coma after he was knocked-down by a student. The school superintendent says he fully recovered, but they're now warning students about the dangers of the pumpkin roll.
"It's a risk that could impact their future if they were arrested and prosecuted," said School Superintendent Stephen Thompson. Only the students know the timing of the event, which usually happens in the days before or after Halloween. "I really don't think even the teachers know, I really don't. I think the kids are pretty secretive about it."
"I think Chagrin Falls is a great place and it's fun to have our traditions," said Doni Kay. Kay is a Chagrin Falls High School graduate who participated in the original roll in 1969. She now owns and operates Breezewood Gardens. "We give pumpkins, we've donated pumpkins to this and we'd never want anyone to get in trouble for taking our pumpkins."
The superintendent, mayor and police chief all say the pumpkin roll is not an approved event. But if or when it happens, they say they're determined to keep everyone safe.
Last year, someone was seriously hurt watching students slide down Grove Hill on Main Street. The man from Solon was left in a coma after he was knocked-down by a student. The school superintendent says he fully recovered, but they're now warning students about the dangers of the pumpkin roll.
"It's a risk that could impact their future if they were arrested and prosecuted," said School Superintendent Stephen Thompson. Only the students know the timing of the event, which usually happens in the days before or after Halloween. "I really don't think even the teachers know, I really don't. I think the kids are pretty secretive about it."
"I think Chagrin Falls is a great place and it's fun to have our traditions," said Doni Kay. Kay is a Chagrin Falls High School graduate who participated in the original roll in 1969. She now owns and operates Breezewood Gardens. "We give pumpkins, we've donated pumpkins to this and we'd never want anyone to get in trouble for taking our pumpkins."
The superintendent, mayor and police chief all say the pumpkin roll is not an approved event. But if or when it happens, they say they're determined to keep everyone safe.
