Goblins, ghosts and ghouls trek through downtown and fill the city with Halloween spirit as celebrations began on Saturday night.
Groups of all sizes packed the streets of Kent, with many looking to enjoy the night at nearby bars. Senior Maxx Goldston and junior Spencer Horn, both exercise science majors, had a long night of drinking planned.
“We pre-gamed, and then we went to a few bars, and now we’re going to Barflyy because God knows there’s going to be a long line,” Goldston said. “We’re going to have fun and dance our asses off.”
Christina Turk, a junior interior design major, also planned on bar-crawling throughout downtown. She added how she loved Kent’s “energy” for Halloween.
“We’re going to dance the night away,” Turk said.
For some students, Halloween is a chance to go out and enjoy the city’s nightlife on one of its most popular days. Lilyan Ronske, dressed as Coraline, is a graduate student studying clinical mental health counseling. This was one of the first times she’s been involved in the downtown Kent scene.
“We’re just out tonight having fun,” Ronske said. “I love dressing up and thrifting, so my costume is pretty much all thrifted.”
Halloween weekend also attracted alumni to relive their college days as they partied through the streets of Kent. Brianna Lampa and Madison Roman are both alumni and brought several friends with them to enjoy the night together.
“I plan on hanging out with my best friends and seeing everybody’s costumes,” Lampa said. “We’re just having fun while we’re young and still can.”
Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without some creative and unique costumes. Jeremiah Shoemaker and two of his friends donned terrifying masks as they ventured around downtown.
“We found them at Spirit Halloween and we let our minds go,” Shoemaker said. “We don’t like to do a lot of unoriginal stuff, so we make it all at home.”
As the night progressed, lines for bars got longer and the temperature became colder, but it still didn’t keep students from staying excited and amped up for the holiday.
“I’m going to boogie down with the boys and have a splendid night,” Hayden Davis, a junior fashion design major, said. “I’m definitely getting spooky.”
John Engoglia is a beat reporter. Contact him at [email protected].
