The ‘Run for Your Lives’ zombie marathon kicked off the two-day Fall Festival hosted by Castleton Residence Life. It was followed by a bonfire next to the campus pond. Students gathered around to roast marshmallows, drink apple-cider and eat candy.
On Thursday, despite the rain, activities were flowing all day long with t-shirts to tie-dye on the patio outside Huden and various activities in the 1787 Room. The weather and the mood of the campus remained eerie as everyone participated in some way. The rain could not put a damper on a day where college students got to dress up and relive their childhoods.
A live band played in Fireside Cafe, free cotton candy and cider donuts were handed out and the walls were lined with carnival games and activity booths. Neon Entertainment set up guys to take green screen pictures and make photo white-boards with the students. Castleton’s Vocal Unrest made an appearance and sang songs from big names like Miley Cyrus, Adele and Goyte.  

Students enjoyed the festivities and the change of pace.
“I don’t remember what they did last year, so this is definitely an improvement,” Nicole Carpenter said.
The celebrations continued during dinner in Huden with a costume contest. Freshman, Tyler Wilcox won a flat-screen TV for dressing up as MC Hammer and dancing on the stage.
“The festival was needed and I wish that we could have activities like this every week just to have something to look forward to during the busy school week,” said freshman Cassandra Simmons.
To cater to those Harry Potter fans, a Quidditch game took place on the alumni field from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For a late night snack, residence life had a gourmet grilled cheese truck parked near Babcock Hall, where the first 100 students received a free grilled cheese. Two Haunted Castleton walking tours took off from Wheeler Hall between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
“I think it’s awesome, good way to kick-off Halloween and more beneficial than just partying,” Tiffanie DeRosia said.