The Student Union, an umbrella organization of major student groups that was revitalized last fall after a long period of inactivity, is planning and sponsoring the first Fall Festival, which will take place from Wednesday, Oct. 26 to Monday, Oct. 31. Joshua Russo '06, chair of the Student Union, said he hopes this festival will become an annual Brown tradition.
Fall Festival will be very different from Spring Weekend because of the "plethora of diverse events" that will take place, Russo said. While Spring Weekend is centered on two major concerts and a host of fraternity parties, Fall Festival will be broader in scope. Organizers hope to incorporate a variety of student groups and to appeal to the full spectrum of Brown students.
The entire weekend of events has been finalized except for a final event on Halloween night that would precede the Midnight Organ Concert, Russo said.
Fall Festival will cost the Student Union approximately $10,000 in total. Shortly after the Student Union was revitalized last fall, Director of Student Activities Ricky Gresh discovered $70,000 in the group's bank account. Russo said he hopes the Student Union will be able to host Fall Festival for the next seven years before its current funds dry up.
Russo said some students have expressed shock at the amount of money the Student Union is spending on Fall Festival. However, he says this amount is reasonable given the scope of the event - Brown's annual "Live on Lincoln" event costs $15,000.
"Unfortunately, money does not go a long way, but we're trying to do as much as we can with what we have," Russo said.
Russo hopes Fall Festival will help raise awareness of the Student Union and its mission, which is in part to connect the many student groups on campus and allow room for fruitful collaboration among them.
The Student Union hopes Fall Festival will unite students, as well. "We tried to have events that range from Oktoberfest to the Cultural Fair to try to bring people together," Russo said.
Fall Festival Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 26
Country Fair, co-sponsored by BuDS, Farmers Market Initiative. Final weekly farmers market, petting zoo and hay rides.
Frank Santos, "the R-rated hypnotist," co-sponsored by the Greek Council.
Thursday, Oct. 27
Evening of Culture, Live performances and food provided by campus cultural groups.
Friday, Oct. 28
Oktoberfest, beer and bratwurst co-sponsored by Zeta Delta Xi and Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Brown Student Radio's Halloween Cover Band Concert.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Fall Ball
Monday, Oct. 31
Halloween
