Students braved the chilly weather to attend this year’s Fall Festival. The Office of Residential Life transformed Bayou Park into a festive fairground, complete with a mechanical bull, pie-eating contest and line dancing.
After scoring free Johnny’s pizza, participants played life-sized board games such as Connect 4 and Jenga. Students competed in sack races and intense cornhole competitions. The Office of Residential Life even created photo opportunities for the inevitable fall-themed Instagram posts.
However, the main attraction at the Fall Festival was the mechanical bull. Hopeful bull riders attempted to outlast each other on the machine. Unfortunately, most students ended up looking more like rodeo clowns.
The highlight of the fun-filled afternoon was the pie-eating contest. Zaylen Daniels ultimately swept the competition, becoming a two-time, back-to-back champion.
“I was motivated to compete in the competition because I thought it would be fun,” Junior risk management major Zaylen Daniels said. “I wasn’t confident that I could win in the beginning until the competition actually started.”
Fall Festival offered students a much-needed break after the stress of midterms and the chaos of Homecoming Week. Sophomore risk management major Bryant Breska enjoyed taking a break from studying to spend time with his friends at the festival.
“After the intensity of homecoming week, it was nice to have a Fall Festival,” Breska said. “It gives students a little bit more of unstructured time just to enjoy and socialize.”
The Office of Residential Life began hosting big community programs such as Fall Festival and the Spring Block Party in 2022. Staff wanted to engage with students outside of their dorms and apartments.
“While this Fall Festival was a little chilly, we were excited to see our residents outside of their rooms,” Assistant Director of Residential Life Andrew Hardee said. “Fall Festival provides another opportunity for students to expand their social acquaintances and friendships.”
If you missed Fall Festival, the Office of Residential Life will be hosting a Spring Block Party.
