With the promise of food, kegged root beer and a good time, members of the SMU community gathered on Oct. 5 in the Ware/Kathy Crow lawn to celebrate Oktoberfest. An annual Ware Commons tradition aimed at bringing the residential community together, Oktoberfest celebrates all things fall.
In addition to a spread of food and drink, the festival also offers fun activities like pumpkin painting and stein-hoisting as well as the opportunity for students to converse and unwind at the midpoint of the first semester.
The yearly festival is planned by the Ware Commons Council.
According to Marketing Chair Emily Pinson, a large amount of work goes into organizing the event.
“Our commons council works hard to make sure that every aspect of the event is well planned, especially when it comes to approving contracts and ensuring that we have all the necessary games and food,” said Pinson.
This intensive preparation resulted in an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere for many students who attended the event.
According to Ware Commons Council President Chloe Leal, the student turnout and energy were greater than last year’s Oktoberfest, mostly due to fewer Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. “Turnout was certainly bigger this year, last year we had to be very vigilant and mindful of social distancing measures and safety in our logistical planning…we even set up stakes and ropes to control the flow of traffic as people navigated the activities,” said Leal.
According to both Pinson and Leal, the eased restrictions allowed for an overall more enjoyable experience for both the attendees and those who planned the event.
“I was so happy to see people be able to freely enjoy one activity or another and actually eat together with friends,” said Leal.
Aside from Oktoberfest, Ware Commons also hosts Krewe Du Ware–Ware Commons’ take on Mardi Gras–during Fat Tuesday.
Leal encourages all students who either enjoyed Oktoberfest or missed out to attend. “It’s known to be one of the most blown-out, most memorable events in the Residential Commons community, we usually hand out brand new Ware swag then, fly in food straight from New Orleans and have lots of activities and entertainment…it’s always a blast,” said Leal.