On Saturday, October 29, from 8 to 11 pm, the Andrews University Student Association (AUSA) hosted their annual Barn Party on the Alumni Lawn. They collaborated with the AU Pre-Vet Club, the Women’s Empowerment Association, and Global Tastes to tie everything together.
A large white tent was set up in front of the alumni house. Outside the tent stood warm gas lanterns surrounding a circle of lights and hay bales. A bonfire crackled at the center of this circle, ready for s’mores to be roasted (or burnt).
Students showed up in their best western attire: flannel, big belts, and cowboy boots and hats were in popular fashion that night. Popular music—including a large assortment of nostalgic Taylor Swift country songs—blasted from the speakers, helping to maintain the lively atmosphere.
The mechanical bull gathered an especially large crowd as students competed to see who could stay on the bull ride the longest.
After his turn on the ride, Caleb Sigh (senior, information systems) commented good-naturedly, “The bull riding was fun—I’m a little disappointed with my results, I got 30 [seconds]. I was hoping for two minutes or something like that, but you know, next time, next year, we’ll come back stronger!”
Inside the tent, students warmed up with chai and hot apple cider, as well as a selection of finger foods provided by Global Tastes catering. There were a few hiccups, however—food became more scarce as the night wore on.
Nora Martin (junior, English and psychology) shared her experience: “I know everyone worked really hard, and it’s really hard to run an event. But I was told that there was going to be a fourth wave of food in twenty minutes, twice, so I waited for forty minutes, only to be told that there was no more food left for the students. I just wish the lines of communication could have been better so that I wouldn’t have had to wait for forty minutes for something that was not coming.”
Evidently, it was difficult to provide so much food for such a large crowd.
Hailey Prestes (junior, architecture), AUSA’s Social Vice President, shared her behind-the-scenes input about the event: “This [the alumni lawn] is not the original location that the barn party was supposed to be at, so let’s just say a lot of struggles came in the last week that we had to sort through. But other than that, the team came together—shoutout to plant services, custodial, Dean DeLeon, and VP Faehner—who all really came through, putting things together for us.”
When asked if she thought there was a specific highlight of the night, she said, “I think that dancing to the Hoedown Throwdown, and getting to sing your heart out to Taylor Swift, while riding a mechanical bull—that just sounds like a vibe.”
Games like pumpkin bowling and connect four were also scattered throughout the lawn. Additionally, students could paint mini pumpkins, ride a hay wagon around campus while singing karaoke, take pictures at the photo booth, and interact with animals at a petting zoo.
Carolina Smith (junior, animal science), who was helping out at the petting zoo, explained the Pre-Vet Club’s part in the event: “We transported the bunnies…and goats…in some carriers and a pick-up truck…we have some hay here for them, in case they get hungry. [AUSA] reached out to us [about helping out], so we’re offering this petting zoo and also the hayride. We helped with setting up hay bales on Friday.” She introduced the goats as ‘Tiny Dancer’ and ‘Jazz,’ explaining, “We chose them because they have the best body condition score out of all the goats on the farm.”
Ariana Coast (senior, biology) chimed in, saying, “They’re more social, too. And we also brought four rabbits—we’re showing two at a time. The ones we have out now…are super friendly. Both of them are adults, about five years old.”
Samantha Flores (freshman, music education) said, “Honestly [the barn party] is pretty fun. I love the turnout and the decorations…I like the set-ups for all the pictures.” Meanwhile, Rod Olofernes (freshman, medical laboratory science), said, “My favorite thing here has actually been the pumpkin bowling. I can’t believe I almost got a spare…I suck at bowling in real life, but maybe pumpkin bowling might be my thing.”
As Miley Cryus’s “Party in the U.S.A.” blasted over the speakers, Rachel Onongha (senior, medical laboratory science) said, “The pumpkin painting was so fun. The fact that I get to keep something from this event makes it very nice.”
As the night progressed, Franky Paypa (senior, physical therapy), AUSA’s Executive Secretary, guided the barn full of flannel-clad college students in stepping to the Hoedown Throwdown, a dance from “Hannah Montana.” One by one, enthusiastic students took to the middle of the white tent to show off their barn party moves, getting into the country-style music.
Although there were a few hiccups, the Barn Party served as a much-needed break from the hectic midterm season. It allowed students to enjoy some fun outdoor activities before the fall weather transitions into a cooler winter period.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.