University SAB hosts first Flannel Fest

Video courtesy of WCTV

On Saturday, Oct. 17, the Waynesburg University Student Activity Board hosted its first ever Flannel Fest for students. The event took place in the tent in the chapel parking and in the parking lot behind the GPAC on campus.

In the tent in the chapel parking lot, students were greeted with hot apple cider and churros. Beyond that, students were able to make scarecrows and take photos with friends at the photobooth that was set up with props.

“I had a great time at Flannel Fest,” Eve O’Sullivan, sophomore nursing major, said. “It was a time to just hang out with friends and get into the fall spirit. The atmosphere was calm and you could tell everyone was having a good time.”

The biggest attraction at Flannel Fest was the axe throwing that students could participate in. Mountain Man Axe Throwing was hired to help with the event.

“My favorite part was the apple cider but the axe throwing was a close second. Throwing axes was a good stress reliever,” O’Sullivan said.

Company workers were present to monitor axe safety and social distancing.

“It [was] offered by a third-party company,” Matt Pioch, director of housing, said. “The company that we [had] contracted has a series of safety protocols they follow as well as a waiver for students to go over and sign prior to throwing axes.”

While axe safety was a priority, COVID-19 safety was not forgotten during the event. Students wore masks and social distancing practices were implemented.

“Safety must be our number one concern, but when in-person events can take place in a safe manner, wearing masks, social distancing, etc., it is nice to be able to see others and be seen by others on campus,” Pioch said.

In-person events like Flannel Fest can be held outdoors, but virtual events will still be hosted by the SAB.

“SAB is excited to start hosting more in-person events,” Michelle Keith, graduate assistant, said. “However, we are still following the 25 people inside policy, so it makes it hard to plan events and limit the number of students since in years past more than 25 students attended.”

Although the number of students at indoor events are limited, Keith says that the SAB is trying to be creative with events.

“Next week I will be in charge of hosting Pumpkin Fest,” Keith said. “We are going to have a mini pumpkin patch outside of the chapel where students can pick out a pumpkin and there will be pumpkin flavored treats.”

“It means a lot that the SAB hosts these events because with the new protocols it’s harder to feel like a community but the events help bring people together,” O’Sullivan said.