On Oct. 29, the D.P. Culp Student Center was transformed into a land of haunts and happenings as the fall fest unfolded across Main St., the first floor of the building. Hosted by Buctainment, the festival featured Halloween-themed challenges and events from many different student organizations on campus.
“I’ve always thought it would be great to combine all of the campus fall festivals into one,” said Ezra Nichols, ETSU senior and Buctainment staff member. “I’m especially hopeful for next year — since more organizations will have heard of this, then more people will come.”
Students who attended the event could get their photo taken with Pepper the therapy dog, request spooky songs from the DJ, paint tote bags and play games such as “Witch Hat Ring Toss” and “Creepy Cup Collapse.”
Afterwards, festivalgoers gathered in the Culp auditorium for a viewing of the well-loved horror film “A Quiet Place 2.” This was one of the first opportunities students have had to gather together on campus in the Culp Center since its shutdown in March, 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, only a couple weeks after its renovation was completed.
“My favorite part was finally getting to make this happen,” said Madison Ross, who is also a senior and involved with Buctainment. “I love that after COVID-19, we can be together and be inclusive of all organizations. We’ve been trying to make a fall festival happen for years, and I’m so happy we get to have fun for the season.”
A diverse range of student organizations were in attendance, including the East Tennessean, the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, Tradition Keepers, German Club, the Sign Language Honor Society, Turning Point USA, the Environmental Health Club, the Animal Health and Science Student Organization, and the Collegiate Merchandising Association of ETSU, who sponsored a costume contest for attendees. Students and staff can vote for their favorite costumes on the Merchandising Department’s Instagram, @etsumerchandising.
