Monmouth University hosted the annual Fall Fest on Friday, Oct. 2, on the Residential Quad. This event took place from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. This event was presented by The Monmouth University Residence Hall Association, Student Government Association and the Student Activities Board, who helped bring this event to life.
The weather reached as high as 84 degrees Fahrenheit, an unexpectedly warm day for early October. Despite the warmer weather, students were still able to get in the fall mood and take advantage of everything Fall Fest had to offer.
Looking around the Res Quad during this event, you could really feel the sense of school spirit and community here at Monmouth University. The large turn out consisted of all different grade levels that participated in the event.
Students took pictures with friends, laughing together, and dancing along to the student performances. This year’s Fall Fest offered carnival Games with prizes, a hot chocolate, apple cider, and popcorn bar, an airbrush artist, a face painter, smores at the fire pit, and Aunt Martha’s Food Truck. The food truck had funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and apples with caramel. There were a plethora of activities to keep students entertained throughout the night. Games included a UFO toss, Hoop Shot, Ring Toss, Krazy Kans, Knock Em Down, Gone Fishin, Axe Throwing, and Bottles Up were available to play for the chance to win a prize.
Sophomore early childhood education major, Olivia Surat commented that the “Fried Oreos came out super quick, fresh and very delicious!” She shared how although the line was long for the airbrush art it was “definitely worth it!” The airbrush artist was very popular because it gave students the chance to personalize either a hat or T-shirt and leave with memorabilia from the event.
Sophomore, accounting major, Emma Melapioni, commented, “everyone was so kind and welcoming and the games were so fun.” Her favorite parts of the event were “getting together with friends, winning prizes at the games, and getting a personalized airbrushed shirt with her sorority letters.”
With the warm weather, students could also beat the heat with the refreshments provided throughout the event.
Junior, marketing major, and Blue Hawk Records member, Taylor Wichterman said, “(it is) so good to be back on campus. And we hope everyone likes the performances and enjoys hanging out, eating and playing games before Homecoming tomorrow.” Fall Fest took place on Friday of Monmouth’s annual Homecoming weekend. Students were also able to get their Homecoming shirts at Fall Fest, making the event a great way to build excitement for the Homecoming Football game that’s to come.
Blue Hawk Records performed at the event including Alexa Rae, kicking off the night, who sang “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, as one of her song choices. The next performer Charlie Michael took the stage, followed by Elijah Elias, The Peach Trees, and Soulstice. Each performer brought something different to the event creating this electric atmosphere full of music and fun. Elijah Elias was joined by Chloe Garcia for one performance and she had positive feedback on the experience, she shared that it was her first time taking the stage for Fall Fest. For the performers, Fall Fest was also an opportunity to showcase their talents in front of an audience of fellow students. This allows the element of support for the arts within the University community.
The drummer of Soulstice, Michael Fazari, shared that Black by Pearl Jam is always “his favorite song to perform and has been the song that the band has used to close shows with for over three years now.” He shared how Pearl Jam has been his biggest influence when teaching himself how to play the drums. He hopes Monmouth students will hear his music influences shine through and expose themselves to a type of music they are not normally listening to. This perspective showed how live performance can introduce students to new music they are not familiar with while simultaneously giving performers a chance to share something meaningful to them with the audience.
Fall Fest gives students a chance to listen to live music, enjoy good food, fun games, and the company of fellow students with the convenience of the event being hosted right on campus. Events like this bring students together, showcase student talent, encourage a night of fun fall festivities with friends and foster a sense of community on campus outside of the classroom.
