The 42nd-annual Black Squirrel Festival celebrated Kent’s unofficial mascot on Sept. 20, featuring information tables from student organizations, food trucks, a photo booth and games. The Flashes Activity Board planned the event, which was a part of Parents and Families Appreciation Weekend. FAB welcomed the 2024 homecoming court and handed out free t-shirts. 

Many tables were set up to promote clubs, events, companies and more. Freshman Thalia Wynocker, a human development and family sciences major, visited the festival and was able to discover new on-campus clubs.

“This is my first festival, I am new to campus so I have not been around a lot,” Wynocker said. “This event helped me build a lot of connections and find interesting club opportunities.”

Wynocker discussed some activities and games the festival had. Cornhole and Spikeball were extremely popular.  

“My favorite activity today was the cornhole,” she said. “It was fun meeting other people and being around my peers.” 

The advisor of Knitting for Those In Need, Louise Ditchey, and members of the club, sophomore English major Rayne Fisher and senior history major Emily Nicoletti, had a table displaying information about their club.

Knitting for Those In Need is a community-based service organization founded in 2011. Their mission is to provide items to the homeless and those in need. The group makes items such as hats, home items and blankets

Nicoletti joined the club two years ago. She said it helped her through the darkness of the pandemic and encouraged her to put herself out there.

“This is my second year in the club,” Nicoletti said. “It was right after the crazy COVID-19 pandemic when I joined, and I wanted to find something to get me out of my room.”

Fisher had discovered the club at the festival and has been involved ever since. 

“I found the club last year at The Black Squirrel Festival, and I just wanted something fun to do,” Fisher said. “I figured this is pretty cool. I can learn how to make stuff for those in need.” 

The festival has been a great way to get their name out there and get people interested in the club.

“Seeing all the different people at the festival has been great,” Nicoletti said. “Many people come up to the table excited and wanting to join the club.”

Rayne shared her experience attending  the festival last year. 

“I went to the festival last year, and it was my first year,” she said. “It was big and crowded but really fun. There were lots of games offered” 

The Black Squirrel Festival this year was able to provide activities, helpful information and a lot of fun. Students were able to meet new friends, join clubs and get a taste of the Kent State community.

“I think today was a fun way to bring awareness to clubs and other events at campus, and I really enjoyed my time here,” Wynocker said.

Savannah Carroll is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected]