Madison Johnson
News editor
For years, October has been the favorite month for college students because of all the activities that are available. It’s the time when the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing, and there is a crispness in the air.
But this year, October is a bit different for the Mississippi University for Women campus. In the past, the campus has celebrated Oktoberfest, which draws a crowd of students and many residents of Columbus. Activities such as costume and pumpkin-carving contests, apple bobbing, and other games are enjoyed.
There is a variety of foods, costumes and contests. It’s a fund raiser for student organizations, and people enjoy the opportunity to get out on campus and enjoy the nice weather and fun games. “My favorite activity from last October was the Oktoberfest celebration that was held on campus. I really do hope they’re able to do it again this year, although it will probably be on a much smaller scale,” said Haylee Jernigan, a junior in Elementary Education.
Last year’s Oktoberfest featured live music, an exotic petting zoo and performances by Social Clubs. Foods such as walking tacos, cotton candy and popcorn were also made available for purchase. “Oktoberfest has been one of the longest-standing traditions at The W. The event offered a chance for our students to raise money so they can continue to do great work for the campus and the community,” said Mea Ashley, interim director of Student Life. Oktoberfest is one of the largest events planned by the Student Programming Board.
On average about 30 student organizations set up tables that include food, crafts, games and other entertainment. The W has celebrated Oktoberfest for more than 40 years. The family-oriented event is something that almost everyone on campus looks forward to and tries to attend. This year it is harder for students who are looking to get involved or raise money for their organizations. Most of the traditional events known around campus will not be happening. However, all is not lost, because now is a time when new activities and traditions will come into play that will let everyone have fun, but still remain safe.
The Staff at Student Life is working to make the semester as normal and safe as possible. Because of social distancing, there aren’t many in-person campus activities planned. Though the traditional Oktoberfest is not happening, one opportunity for students to get involved is the upcoming Halloween Movie Double Feature.
“We are having a pumpkin-carving contest which starts at 6 p.m. People in attendance will judge the pumpkins. We are playing two movies and have a popcorn bar to enjoy. People should bring blankets to sit on to watch the movies,” said Karleigh Shelton, the leadership intern for Student Life at The W.
This event will be hosted by The W Leadership Program at the Gazebo on campus. Students may come and carve a pumpkin and stay for the showing of two movies: “Hocus Pocus” and “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.” Another activity on campus to celebrate October is the Halloween Rock Monster Hunt. Monster rocks will be placed all over campus, and the participant who finds the most rocks will win. There will be a $3 admission fee for a chance to win a $30 VISA gift card. This will be hosted by the Mam’selle Social Club. While most of the campus has restrictions, The W staff and student organizations are working hard to make the most of these uncertain times. Student Life offers information and resources for ways to get involved.