Fall takes center stage at SGA’s annual Oktoberfest

Photo courtesy of Ramapo College, Instagram

Ramapo College's annual Oktoberfest – complete with pumpkin decorating, carnival games and a selection of food from area restaurants – was held last Saturday on the Bandshell lawn and coincided with Family Day, allowing parents of new students to experience one of the many events the college offers.

Sponsored by the Student Government Association, families, students, clubs and teams all came together to enjoy the eye-catching inflatable slide and wrecking ball, a photo booth, giant twister and a raffle with various prizes.

Catered by Chicken & Rib Crib, Spring Street Deli, Moe’s, Nikki’s and Sodexo, attendees indulged all day long.

“It’s always great when events have free food, especially food like Moe’s and Chicken and Rib Crib. I think that’s what everyone looks forward to the most,” said Alexis Wager, senior Psychology student.

Events like Oktoberfest are mainly targeted toward freshman students who are typically on campus for the first few months of being at school and have not seen their families in a while. The events are designed to introduce them to off-campus food options, reconnect with their loved ones and meet new people, as well as take their mind off the new stresses of their college classes. 

Alejandro Cepeda, freshman and first time Oktoberfest attendee, said, “It was different yet fun and it was great seeing a lot of people I know there.”

For those who had not known about the event, it wasn’t hard to miss. Many students stopped by after seeing the gigantic inflatables and ended up having a blast. 

Senior Graphic Design student Sarah Bate was one of those passerby’s that decided to check it out on her way back to her Village apartment.

“Oktoberfest was a lot of fun," she said. "It’s amazing that the school offers all of these activities free of charge for students and their families.”

Bate said her favorite activity was the photo booth, where props such as signs and water guns were offered to make the pictures unique and comical.

Saturday's event was the third and final day of SGA’s Oktoberfest activities.

Thursday night the Bradley Center hosted the After Dark Sportsfest which included basketball, volleyball, football and more games for students to play.

And on Friday the Birch Mansion put on a haunted house for Fall Fest, and in the Laurel Courts SGA provided Late Night dining, games, tie-dying and more festive food. The event’s music was provided by DJ Ode.

jcaprio1@ramapo.edu