The Residence Hall Association (RHA) brought fall festivities to Monmouth with their annual Fall Fest event on the residential quad on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
The event took place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and was a way for students to enjoy their favorite fall activities with the convenience of an on-campus location.
Students were able to use bonfires to make their own s’mores, help themselves to hot apple cider and hot chocolate, have caricatures drawn, and pick their own pumpkins to paint from a pumpkin patch made on the residential quad itself.
Nicholas Manento, advisor for RHA, considers Fall Fest one of his favorite RHA traditions. “It’s a simple event that appeals to everyone and being able to provide a program that brings so much of the student population together is one of the many things RHA is here for. This year we were able to showcase student musicians Dan Amato and the Sentimental Gentlemen and work with SAB to help highlight the Haunted Tour in Wilson,” he said.
The event was popular with students of all grades. Tianna Fougeray, senior marketing and management student said, “This year was the first time I attended RHA’s Fall Fest because I always had a scheduling issue in the past! I wish I was able to take advantage of it and go more than just my last year of college because it was such an adorable event. I love the whole concept of bringing so many fall activities to campus because they are some of my favorite things about the season.”
She continued, “I think the most creative part of the event was making a pumpkin patch on the residential quad. I wasn’t expecting to be able to get the full experience of pumpkin picking and since I wasn’t able to go on my own this year I was glad I was still able to enjoy one of the best things about fall!”
Junior health studies student Mia Sabo said, “I liked how they sectioned off the different activities you could do. Having bonfires for the s’mores was a really cute idea and the pumpkin patch had a good selection of pumpkins!”
Nina Dacey, advisor for RHA, was happy with the successful turnout. “We could not have asked for a better night; the weather was perfect. We had around 300 students visit the event. Everyone in attendance really enjoyed themselves. It was great to see students sitting by the fire, roasting marshmallows, or painting a pumpkin. Overall the event was a great success and we are looking to carry on the success of this program next year,” she said.
Charlee Helmsetter, a senior and President of RHA, said, “I’m really happy that so many people came out for Fall Fest this year and thankful for everyone who helped organize it!”
Students interested in being a part of RHA are welcome to attend club meetings every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in Hesse Hall’s second floor lounge.
PHOTO TAKEN by Nicolette Pezza
