KINGSTON, R.I., Oct. 25, 2023 — Pumpkin painting, giveaways, and autumnal snacks! All of these and more will be available to those who attend the University of Rhode Island’s Fall Fest on Tuesday, Oct. 31. The event is designed to promote unity within the URI community, and the only risk is having a scary good time.

Organized through a collaboration of URI Housing and Residential Life and the Office of Student Involvement, events will be held on the Kingston Campus Quadrangle from noon to 3 p.m. This is the second year for the event, which focuses on campus involvement and making students aware of campus clubs and organizations. The event is free.

“Finding ways to get involved on campus can feel challenging,” says Lucas DeWitt, a coordinator for the Office of Student Involvement. “This is a pivotal point during the semester when students are looking to branch out and find connections. With less than two months of the semester remaining, it is important for students to know there are resources on campus that provide opportunities to help get their minds off classes and schoolwork if not for a moment.”

Pumpkins will be available to paint for as long as supplies last, so get there early! A large mechanical pumpkin will be available for rides, so try and get that social picture before the line is too long. 

Apple cider and apple cider doughnuts will be available to attendees, and URI police will be making popcorn, hotdogs, and pretzels. Customizable Fall Fest tote bags, Fall Fest-themed ghost stickers and mini-monster plush toys will also be given out.

Representatives from the Office of Student Involvement and Housing and Residential Life will be available on site to “spread festive fall cheer,” says DeWitt, and to assist in answering any questions students may have about getting involved with different organizations on campus.

This story was written by Samantha Melia, a senior journalism and political science major at the University of Rhode Island and an intern in the Department of Marketing and Communications.