On Oct. 20, the Andrews University Student Association hosted its annual barn party—an event frequently held off campus that features games, food, music and stereotypical fall activities—on the lawn behind the Howard Performing Arts Center.
Initially, the plan was to host the event at Marion Magnolia Farms in Cassopolis, Michigan. Students had to sign up in the Campus Center ahead of time by signing a permission slip and picking up a ticket. However, the Friday before the event, an email announcement informed students that AUSA had moved the event to campus because of circumstances out of their control. The new location resulted in opening the event to everyone, regardless of ticket status. The original Instagram post featured a poster that announced the event start time was 5 p.m. However, an Instagram caption posted by the social affairs board stated that games would only begin at 6 p.m.
Many attendees arrived decked out in flannels, displaying their fall spirit. Some even embodied the theme of the event further with boots and cowboy hats.
Several tables were set up with activities for students to enjoy until the rest of the entertainment began. One table featured a classic game where participants guessed the number of objects in a jar, in this case, candy corn, jelly beans or Nerds clusters. Prizes for guessing correctly included a “Fast & Furious” LEGO car, a LEGO bonsai tree and a Polaroid camera. Another area had paint supplies for attendees to decorate mini pumpkins. A third space featured cornhole and a giant Connect 4. Later, face paint was added to one of the pumpkin painting tables, rounding out the activity stations.
In addition to the activity tables, there was also a platform for performances. Blankets and hay bales were spread out in front of a stage area for people to sit and enjoy live music. Students cheered to support their friends and occasionally engaged with the acts, waving their phone flashlights in time to the music. Audience participation was also invited during several “dance breaks” where attendees could participate in popular line dances, such as the popular Cotton Eye Joe and the Hoedown Throwdown from “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” which was taught at the 2022 barn party.
A couple of hours into the event, AUSA finally served the food they promised attendees via Instagram. After growing a little impatient, those who stuck around waiting for sustenance were rewarded. There were also a few dessert options, including mini cupcakes with fall-themed orange frosting. Additionally, there were several unique beverages to choose from, including apple cider, raspberry lemonade and a pomegranate drink. Drinks were served either in cinnamon-rimmed or pomegranate/raspberry-containing plastic glasses for a special touch.
While attendees enjoyed the food, the sunset painted the scene in orange shades. The atmosphere shifted as people satisfied their hunger, and string lights became more visible in the dark, creating a pleasant fall ambience. The evening ended with an open mic segment, allowing attendees to showcase their talents in an informal program.
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.