College Students treated to Fall Festival

Merced College, Los Banos Campus brought a little fun to college life Wednesday as it held its Fall Festival.

The event informed students about health issues, local politics and possible career paths, but mostly it was an event emphasizing fun and camaraderie.

“We are a small campus and we want to have a sense of college life for them, getting out making it fun," said Dean Brenda Latham.

She set an example at the event, participating in a doughnut eating contest with mayoral candidates Mike Amabile and Mike Villalta.

Latham said she and her staff try to have fun events on campus in the spring, but decided the most recent change of seasons was the perfect time to have a festival.

“We were hoping to add a little fun and flare to the fall,” she said.

The Social Science Club held a bake sale and assisted in organizing various games. Club member Jerry Reyes said the event is a lot of work, but a positive experience.

“I enjoy the vibe,” he said. “People are happy if the vibe is good.”

The day included a corn shucking contest, prize giveaways, various games and plenty of pop music blaring through the campus speakers.

Groups like Golden Valley Health Center had booths at the event. There was also no doubt it’s an election year, as several local politicians made their case on why they deserve the youth vote.

Merced College, Los Banos Campus has a student population of 1,800, predominantly from the Westside.

Cheyenne Chavez said events like the Fall Festival do bring students together. She said what she hears from her fellow classmates about campus festivals is all positive.

This story was originally published October 17, 2014 at 3:53 PM with the headline "College Students treated to Fall Festival."