What is the number one enemy of pumpkins once Halloween is over? In Vernon, the answer is gravity. 

Vernon Firefighters Local 1517 held its third annual Pumpkin Drop at Fire Station 1 on 30th Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.

The firefighters invited people to bring their Halloween jack-o-lanterns, climb to the top of the hose tower and toss their pumpkins off the edge, making them go splat on a target on the ground below. 

Dave Robinson, firefighter and president of Vernon Fire Rescue Service's charitable society, said towards the end of the event that while the official numbers weren't in yet, it appeared to be the most well-attended Pumpkin Drop yet. 

"It was very busy this morning, and even though the rain came and tried to hamper things a little bit ... it seems like this is the busiest we've seen it." 

Indeed, by 12:30 p.m. the large bin provided by Spa Hills Compost was filling up with pumpkin shrapnel. Spa Hills will compost the pumpkins, making the event an eco-friendly way to dispose of jack-o-lanterns. 

"It's a hit with the kids because they're able to come, and obviously dropping the pumpkins is exciting, but for them to be able to check out the fire trucks is pretty cool too," Robinson said. "And they're all excited to see (VFRS mascot) Sparky as well."

The 110-foot ladder on the ladder truck was fully extended tor a grand-finale pumpkin drop at the end of the event. 

And the Pumpkin Drop is for a good cause. The event is by donation with all proceeds going towards the charitable society. The last two Pumpkin Drops generated about $1,200 each, said Robinson, and last year's funds were put towards BGC Okanagan's Christmas campaign. The organization receiving this year's funds will be announced at a later date. 

There were goodie bags for the kids at the event, and hot chocolate and coffee was provided by Silver Star Rotary. 

Okanagan Restoration supported the event with a donation.