Fall Ball? This old-new tradition full of fun and games was held October 18 in The J, and many students came to this celebration to have fun and mingle. This year’s Fall Ball included seven fun-filled booths run by members of the Student Government Association (SGA). Freshman Lela Ball said she had a wonderful time at Fall Ball. “I loved Fall Ball,” she said. “My favorite part was the costume contest because I got to dress up as a zombie.”
Becca Carver also had fun at the event, noting it gave her a break from all the stress of school and classes. “My favorite part was watching all students try to win a fish at the game fish pong.”
Leslie Wheat, who is a member of the SGA, helped work the ring toss game along with her friend Cassidy Padgett. Wheat liked how smoothly everything went and how everyone was having a good time. Though she was working the whole time, she had a little fun herself and won a new friend in the fish pong game. “My favorite part of the whole experience from Fall Ball was winning my new fish-friend Shrimp,” Wheat said.
Fall Ball has been around for many years, according to Courtney Tindale, who is Judson College’s director of student activities. The tradition was around when she was a student here, but Fall Ball now is a little different than what she remembered it being. “The biggest difference that I see in this year’s event compared to when I was a student is that the money went to an outside organization instead of being used as a fundraiser for SGA,” Tindale said. Marissa McNamara, publicity coordinator for SGA, said that was a group decision. “There will be more than games, we are having a basket-raffle full of fall decor, treats and fuzzy socks, a costume contest, and there is even a ‘pie a professor’ contest where anyone can pie Dr. McConnell and Ms. Peek.”
One of the participating students in the costume contest is Jr-Soph Savanah Townley, who decided to be the spirit of fall. “I decided to come because all my friends were going to come and so was my big,” Townley said. She also was the winner of the costume contest. “When I stood in line with all the other competitors, I didn’t think I would win, because everyone had amazing, creative costumes. The time and effort put into everyone’s costumes really showed.” She continued, saying, “I know AJ and Lela both made their costumes themselves and spent a long time doing their makeup. Joy’s costume was also very well thought out. I can’t wait for the next Fall Ball to come back around next year.”
The pumpkin contest was a big success as well. Erin Harrison came in first place with her camper pumpkin. Harrison said that she was not as prepared for the contest as she would have liked to be, but for winning first place, she did just fine. “It was exciting; I actually forgot I entered the contest until an hour before they were due, so that was pretty funny.” Joyce Lavata’I came in second place with her cute recreation of Stitch from Lilo and Stitch. “Now the fact I came in 2nd place was a little shocking, because my Stitch pumpkin was pretty cute!” Both contestants won a mug with all sorts of goodies in it, but what is really great about these two
winners is that they are roommates. However, they did not let the competition get in their way. Lavata’I said some really nice things about her experience at Fall Ball and about Harrison. “I really enjoyed Fall Ball and the fact that we all got to come together as a student body and just fellowship with each other. I love that the faculty and staff are so involved and are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to get pied in the face! But the first place winner was my roommate, so I guess I couldn’t really complain! In all, it was a great time, and I can’t wait until we do more activities like it.”
Even though Fall Ball has been around before, it was a new experience to many. Everyone loved the games, the prizes, and even a chance to pie their favorite teachers.