Harvest Fesitval brings local community members to campus
On Thursday, Oct. 27, goblins and ghouls wandered through Johnson Commons from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the annual Harvest Fest.
Harvest Fest is when the Student Activities Board (SAB) hosts an event for campus organizations and clubs to come together to highlight and raise funds for their organization in the Halloween spirit.
Marian Chearney, president of SAB and junior nursing major, said the event is a great way for the students to learn about the different organizations on campus.
”I think Harvest Fest is a great fundraiser for clubs on campus and a great way for all the clubs to come out together and put on a fun event,” said Chearney.
This year’s Harvest Fest had a major change in how the funds were handled. In the past, the organizational booths donated half their profits to local charities such as Project Bundle Up. However, the change this year allowed the organizations to keep all of the proceeds they raised.
Patricia Bristor, associate dean of students, said that the change was made with the thought of the recent budget cuts in mind.
”We already ask the student organizations to do so much,” said Bristor. “By giving them the ability to keep all of the funds that they earn, their budgets are not being affected.”
Chearney said that the change had to do with the switch from the event being held by the Student Senate to the SAB.
”When Senate had it a portion of your profit had to go to charity but SAB made it so you could keep your entire profit,” said Chearney.
Harvest Fest originated to help clubs gain more participation since they use to have small individual events.
Harvest Fest also includes festivities other than the organization booths: WCYJ-FM had their annual pumpkin bowling tournament which President Lee claimed the title; children trick-or-treating in the community stopped came through campus because Harvest Fest coincides with Waynesburg’s trick-or-treating schedule; the student organizations and clubs also sold food to help beneficial their respective organization and there was also a booth display contest held.
The Student Nursing Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) won the booth display competition and the organization received a check for $50.