By Genevieve Feiler, Stuff Writer
The weekend of Oct. 19 -21, Saint Leo University held its Annual Fall family Festival. Presented by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Student Services, the weekend was filled with numerous activities available to students, staff, and families alike; a weekend all participants will not soon forget.
Fridays consisted of a Lions Golf outing at the Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club for those who registered as well as dinner for students and registered families.
The Turf Stadium and parking garage ribbon cutting ceremony was also a celebrated event as the campus gathered to welcome the new addition to the Saint Leo Campus.
But the real the kick off to the weekend, according to the students, was the hypnotist Dr. Jim Wand. With a renowned resume and a great sense of humor, the doors opened at 7:40pm and the show began promptly at 8pm.
Veteran volunteers rushed to the stage and whether pressured or thrill seekers, a nice ratio of females to males shared the seats on stage to start off the show. As students and parents alike were added to the performers or invited to take a seat as the audience, the night was filled with contagious laughter and rolling cameras as complete strangers and close friends became the entertainment for the night.
As enjoyable as the hypnotist was, whether unable to attend or lack of knowledge, the Boardrooms neglected to fill all the seats. “I heard a lot of good things about it from the students”, said Amy Persaud, graduate student at Saint Leo University. The hypnotist continued as a student favorite echoing throughout the weekend, even to those who couldn’t attend.
The SCC information desk was flooded with new arrivals as registration spanned from 9 am to noon Saturday morning. Families, friends, alumni, and board members alike prepared for the bulk of the weekend soon to begin at 11 am; The World’s Fair.
The Bowl, or what is now the field behind the SCC building, was filled with colors, sights and smells only attainable with a fair of course, and that it was. From entertainment around the world, to free novelties such as henna and hand cut silhouettes, to baked goods, rosary bracelets, and smoothies available for purchase, this fair was buzzing with participants.
There was a new addition to the event this year and Janet Zicht was indeed a fan. “I’m glad they provided the tents for the club’s tables” said the senior.
All the clubs and vendors were covered by tents this year, a great addition shielding not only those selling, but the potential customers from the what was soon to be a scorching day.
Disregarding the frequent glimpse of a nun or two, one couldn’t take a few steps without a flash of neon green blurring ones vision. All proudly wearing their matching uniforms, the vast amount of volunteers amongst the fair participants, were happy, helpful and smiling throughout the whole day, whether watching a booth, helping with entertainment, or assisting with release forms in Christina DuPree’s case.
“I thought it would be a fun thing to do today” said sophomore DuPree. “I didn’t have any plans so I thought I’d volunteer.”
The esteemed attractions were a huge part of the World fair and a student favorite, especially one in particular by the name of Judy.
“My favorite part was the elephant,” said Abi Fox, a transfer student. “It was something really original and defiantly something everyone could brag about pretty much for the rest of their lives”
Giuseppe Rodriguez , brother of Dominique Rodriguez a junior at Saint Leo, thought the fireworks were the best part of the festival but wasn’t too impressed with the quality of the food.
“The hamburgers were too thin,” said Giuseppe Rodriguez. Other than thicker burgers Rodriguez had no other complaint about the festival overall.
Also excited about the fireworks was Alexandria Blaha, a freshman at Saint Leo University. Although her parents weren’t able to share the weekend, parts of the festival she truly enjoyed.
“The different novelty things and the elephant, “said Blaha. “The food was really good; I had the fish and chips”, Happy to recommend the food to anyone was Blaha.
Positive suggestions were made throughout the day.
“Maybe some water festivities in the future” said Amy Persaud. But she agreed on the Fair’s overall success as “It captured many festivities celebrated throughout the world”.
Hoping that next year the available attractions would be better advertised.
“The Fall Family Festival was incredibly successful! I wasn’t expecting all the fun attractions” said Haley Wing, a freshman. “I was so impressed!”
“The Family Festival was really well done, so yes! I would say it was a success. The families had a great time!” Beth Dorney, a sophomore also said.
“It was little to go with the flow” says Abi Fox, “No one really knew what was going on if they didn’t have family there. Even though it was kind of unorganized, I thought it was extremely successful.”
So mixed opinions about the fair but, the students agree it was an overall success.
A Student Art Exhibit, Technology Showcase and Parent and Family reception filled the rest of the afternoon until the Dining hall opened at 4:30pm. Everyone was invited to the senior night soccer games, Men and Women’s versus Lynn University. Tropical Entertainment was provided in the School of Business courtyard with students joining the hula dancers and in awe of the exotic men with fire. The Fireworks filled the sky around 9:50pm, sending shivers down everyone’s spine from not only the chilly night, but the intensity of the spectacular show. An unannounced finale to the weekend and a beautiful distraction for the last few minutes of the women’s well played soccer game.
Sunday morning consisted of a scrumptious brunch, set out by the Dining Services and Mass available at 10:30 am. Goodbyes were said, as farewells were due to family members leaving as the festivities came to a close. The weekend proved to be an overall success according to students and families alike which helped those running the festival attain their ultimate goal, a festival for the family.
