The Campus Activities Programming Board held its annual Fall Bash on Oct. 13.
On Oct. 13, students and staff alike welcomed the fall season at the Campus Activities Programming Board’s annual Fall Bash.
The event, which spanned both the University of Missouri Student Center and Kuhlman Court, saw a turnout of over 600 students and featured several fall-themed activities including a haunted house, pumpkin patch and inflatable corn maze. While an autumnal playlist played in the background, free apple cider and cinnamon donuts were offered to attendees.
“Honestly, I think it is adorable,” freshman Marin Chamberlin said. “I can see the effort that was put into it genuinely, and it’s really nice because the weather is finally changing so it fits with the time.”
A long line for the haunted house stretched across the Student Center for a majority of the night, making it one of the favorite attractions offered by the event. Yet, many students underestimated just what hid beyond the darkened doors, including real actors and decorated rooms.
“I have never been in a haunted house before, and I never think I will again,” senior Sianna Meadows said. “Good vibes, fun to do with my friends, but I can’t believe something as small as this brought out so much fright.”
Those behind the masks in the house were also able to enjoy the terror.
“So, I am the biggest horror junkie you will ever meet,” CAPB event staff member Megan Huggins said. “I’ve just been enjoying it thoroughly. I loved seeing everyone’s frightened faces. It just cracks me up.”
Other attractions at the event, such as the pumpkin patch and corn maze, offered an escape for guests wanting a less terrifying experience.
“I thought it looked super cute,” freshman Caitlynn Liniger described the pumpkin patch. “They did a real job having areas for photos, and the lighting was pretty good.”
Students were also able to select a pumpkin from the patch to take home. Back in the Student Center, others reconnected with their childhood memories as they decorated their pumpkins.
“I haven’t decorated a pumpkin since I was maybe in middle school,” sophomore Elena Frank said. “It brings back my childhood a bit.”
The inflatable corn maze, which was organized more as an inflatable obstacle course, demanded more physicality than some participants expected.
“I am no longer five. That hurt a lot,” freshman Saturn Peters said. “Definitely would do it again.”
Beyond the various attractions scattered around the venue, the event also featured several food stations. This included a caramel apple nacho bar, where guests could decorate their apples with a variety of toppings, as well as a mini cinnamon donut cart and apple cider stand outside.
“The apple cider was like a warm hug,” freshman Sarah Woods explained.
As the event began to wind down, both students and staff reflected on the turnout of the evening.
“I think that everyone that came had an awesome time, and I think there was a nice variety of activities and different things for people to enjoy,” CAPB director Andrew Belschner said. “I was very satisfied with the overall turnout.”
Edited by Sam Barrett | sbarrett@themaneater.com
Copy edited by Grace Knight and Brooklyn Cross | gknight@themaneater.com
