Those who saw the enormous, yellow Zero Gravity ride peeking over top of the trees Wednesday, Oct. 26, may have flocked to the HPER parking lot, along with students from every corner of campus, to enjoy the annual fan-favorite event, Fall Fest.
This year’s Fall Fest, organized by the Student Activities Board, featured a variety of activities, smack dab in the middle of every Bear’s favorite week — homecoming.
Students spun to their heart’s desire on the Dizzy Dragons and the Tornado, eliciting screams and laughter heard across the lot. They also stood in long lines for a Butt Sketch booth and food, but according to senior Brianna Moseley, it was all worth the wait.
“I waited in lines for the spray paint art piece and the guitar pick keychain. Both were worthwhile because free art is a luxury to me,” Moseley said. “The spray paint art booth was my favorite. It was incredible to watch.”
Moseley said the music and activities provided a fun atmosphere for students. “My favorite aspect of Fall Fest was the overall sense of community. A lot of people decided to come out,” she said. “All of the booths seemed cohesive.”
Fall Fest attendees spin on the ride Zero Gravity.
Moseley also got the opportunity to eat from some of the vendors scouted by SAB.
“I ate the elote at the Las Delicias booth, it was perfect. I also had some funnel cake, which was equally amazing,” she said.
Though Moseley favored the spray paint booth, Fall Fest had many other activities to offer to students, including the Photo Boxx, balloon art and bracelets, digital caricatures, henna and letter art, street signs, name license plates, tie-dye shirts and wire writing.
Junior Robert Massingill, the president of SAB, said this year’s turnout was amazing. “We estimate that around 2,000 people showed up. We had more people attend this year than we did last year,” Massingill said. “So, I definitely feel as though the community was more excited.”
Junior Caleb Watson attested to this.
“I liked the environment because everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves,” Watson said.
Watson said the event was a good opportunity to put yourself out there and make new friends. “I didn’t interact with any of the booths, but I did get a really small funnel cake. It was good, I just wish I had another one right about now.”
Massingill said the organization begins planning for events like Fall Fest at the start of the semester.
“We start by looking at what we did last year and asking ourselves what we can do to improve it,” Massingill said. “From there, we start looking at what vendors we want, and even carnival rides. We spend weeks looking at the vendors and DIYs to make sure we get something that the students will enjoy. It really takes everyone on board to make this happen.”
Every year, members of SAB go to the National Association for Campus Activities conference, where they are able to see performances by different comedians, singers and vendors, Massingill said.
“After different showcases, they hold what is called the Marketplace. There, we get to meet the acts we saw and look at what companies have for DIYs,” he said. When they return, everyone shares the vendors they liked the most and the team narrows it down from there.
“I feel as though most students are excited about the carnival rides,” Massingill said. “Those stay busy from the moment they open to when they close.”
Students had unlimited, free access to rides like Zero Gravity, the Sizzler, Dizzy Dragons and the Tornado, as well as a ropes course, called Fear Factory.
“I went on two rides,” Watson said. “I really enjoyed them. I can’t tell you what they were called, but I do know they were fun.”
Massingill was happy with the outcome of the festival. “For everything we planned for this year, I feel as though everything went perfectly.”
Watson agreed, with one small complaint. “I think it was planned well. I just wish they had corn dogs.”