With a brisk 48-degree evening with scenic leaves falling all around campus, students bundled up and gathered for Kent State’s Fall Fest on Thursday, hosted by Flash Activities Board (FAB).

The Centennial Field was covered with hay, horses, and the comforting smell of a campfire. FAB put together a fall fest to get students to socialize and enjoy the fall weather, as well as the spirit that comes with it.

Hundreds of students waited in line for what FAB is known for, giving out free stuff. This event provided free Kent State mugs, followed by complimentary hot cider, pumpkin cookies and caramel apples. Two fire pits were also set up in the field for students to roast marshmallows to assemble gooey s’mores.

Along with the fall treats, there was a tent of unique live music with two musicians playing Steelpans, an instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago, which gives off a Caribbean sound.

Hay bales blanketed the field for students to sit and socialize. Games were set up for students to bond over and play including cornhole, Connect 4 and roundnet. FAB was also handing out pumpkins for students to go and decorate at a table set up with markers and stickers.

One of the main attractions of the evening was the wagon ride around campus, led by two horses. A steady flow of students lined up for their turn to get up close to the horses, which trailed their way through a path around the centennial fields.

Last year’s Fall Fest did not go as smoothly as this year, according to Lucille Schneider, a member of FAB. When attempting to host Fall Fest last year, the weather did not abide, as a tornado set in. There were T-shirts handed out at the time, but there ware certainly no horse rides available during the tornado. The fest was inevitably canceled due to the weather.

There was also no Fall Fest during the 2020 school year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the past couple of years remaining unsuccessful, FAB wanted to ensure this year’s Fall Fest was a blast.

“We’ve done this before, but in years prior it hasn’t been like this. This year is a revamp,” said Joe Robinson, student activities coordinator for FAB.

Students could end the night with something to remember by taking a photo with friends in the photo-opt area, with hay bales stacked up along with fall and Halloween decorations.

Grace Clarke is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].