Fall Fest 2024: A look back
A reflection on the events put together to create another successful Fall Fest weekend.
Over the weekend of October 1st-5th, Bethel College hosted its largest event of the year, Fall Fest. This year particularly, Fall Fest was bigger than it has ever been, with new additions to the week such as a bonfire to start the week off, a parade with all of the college student-athletes, and the spirit week theme days put on with the help of Diversity Council.
The Thursday before Fall Fest is Taste of Newton. Taste of Newton is an event started by Bethel Alumni Virgil Penner. This event takes place on Main Street and is open to everybody.
Vendors came from all over to sell their food or promote their products, whilst people were entertained by bands, choirs, gymnasts, and dancers.
The Saturday of Fall Fest is the biggest day of the week. The Green was filled with pop-up vendors, tables from the different clubs on campus, as well as the different organizations that help run the college, such as admissions or the booster club.
People from all over the state of Kansas came to North Newton for the weekend to enjoy some good food, good people, and good music. Several entertainment options were provided by local and college music groups, including the Bethel College jazz band.
April Powls, from Garnett, Kansas, shares that having the band perform at events such as these “bring people to events, and they create an enjoyable atmosphere.” Fall Fest also allowed for “other performers like the Newton High School Jazz Band and the Children's Choir” to show off their skills for everyone to enjoy.
Powls is one of the Trumpet players in the Bethel College Jazz Band. “I love being in the Bethel Jazz Band because it challenges me as a musician, sure it’s difficult work… but in the end, it’s that struggle that makes it all worth it,” Powls reflects.
Fall Fest allows Alumni and further Threshers to come together for a fun week jam-packed with activities. Reflecting on this year’s festivities reminds us of the wonderful community atmosphere created here at Bethel College.