By Jack Horchler, CIU Student Writer  

It’s a good thing senior Chandler Carlisle likes pie. He was the big winner of the pie-eating contest at the Columbia International University Hoedown!, an annual campus life event that celebrates autumn at CIU.  

Students gathered at the Pavilion next to the CIU Lake wearing their best country attire, including flannel shirts, jeans and cowboy boots.  

They enjoyed hot cider along with other traditional fall refreshments, campfires, a photo booth, pumpkin decorating, and upbeat music to set the atmosphere for the evening.

After an apple-bobbing contest, came the pie-eating contest. Carlisle stepped in at the last minute and finished the pie for one of the contestants to become the winner. Students also enjoyed line dancing, s’mores, and a candy corn-themed guessing jar contest. 

Freshman Harrison Burnette said it was an “excellent introduction to his first year at CIU.”  

“I enjoyed all the competitions the night had to offer, especially the pie-eating contest where Chandler stepped in out of the blue and won,” Burnette said. “It was such a fun night all the way around.”  

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