Students were able to indulge their inner child Sunday as they slurped on sno cones and played on Fun Factory Inflatables at the Residence Hall Association’s Carnival on the Quad.
Students mingled with faculty members and their children as they competed in a gladiator joust and obstacle course, lined up for the wax hand booth, or enjoyed some refreshments.
“We always do a program each month and Fun Factory [inflatables] seemed appropriate since the weather is nice,” said Paige Hill, a mechanical engineering freshman on the RHA Programming Committee.
In addition to inflatables and refreshments, RHA provided Frisbees and souvenirs like cups and pencils. A stereo system was set up, blasting current and throwback tunes for participants to enjoy.
“The music was great! Brought me back to my childhood,” said Beth Verhine, a sophomore majoring in public relations.
According to Hill, RHA decided on hosting a carnival-themed event because they wanted something centrally located on campus.
“We were brainstorming and we wanted to do something on the Quad. Fun Factory [inflatables] were always an option so we just named it a carnival because we already have the popcorn machine and sno-cone machine.”
Despite the unexpected cool weather, many students enjoyed the free activities and refreshments to close out their weekend. Sophomore Aubrey Bacus learned about the event on Facebook, and invited several of her friends.
“I woke up and said, ‘Let’s go to the carnival!’” she said.
Freshman Dylan Mann said he felt the carnival was especially appropriate for students on tight budgets.
“It was nice that it’s all free,” Mann said. “Plus, people hanging out on the Quad is always fun.”
In addition to the Fun Factory inflatables, RHA provided popcorn, pizza, drinks and sno-cones.
“The sno-cones were delicious,” said Kayla Fields, sophomore public relations major. “Very tasty treat!”
As the school year begins to wind down and study hours rise, many students found the carnival a relaxing and fun place to blow off some steam and avoid homework for a few hours.
It’s a great time to have the carnival. Good time of the year, good time to de- stress,” Verhine said.
Bailey Rehmert, a sophomore majoring in marketing, echoed Verhine’s sentiments.
“It’s pretty nice. I know I have to do homework as soon as I get back but it was nice to wake up and have something to do besides study.”
For many students, this was their first RHA event.
“I didn’t know they had a monthly program, this is my first RHA event,” said sophomore Ambra Kelly. “The weather is nice. But it would be nice if it was bigger.”
According to Hill, the event attracted a bigger crowd than expected.
“We’re running out of everything, definitely more people than we expected,” she said. “That’s always great because this is for the residents.”
Hill said believes the turnout and enthusiasm of the crowd will convince RHA to host similar events in the future.
“I think this will definitely be a repeat event,” she said.
