Celebrating a New Semester: Bucknell's Fall Fest 2017

For five high-energy, fun-filled hours Friday, Sept. 15, Bucknell's Sojka Lawn was transformed into a pop-up carnival, complete with a mechanical-bull rodeo, Ferris wheel and American Ninja Warrior-style inflatable aptly dubbed "the Adrenalator."

The occasion was Fall Fest 2017, a celebration that kicked off the new academic year with rides, games and a steady rollout of fair-inspired snacks, ranging from cotton candy and corn dogs to ice pops and loaded fries. Boosting the fun quotient was a new custom geofilter for Snapchat users who shared the event with friends.

As always, music was a Fall Fest highlight. A series of student performers warmed up the crowd for headliner B.o.B. The platinum-selling rapper was chosen to perform by students, who also helped to select rides and food. Sponsored by Campus Activities & Programs, Fall Fest is largely coordinated by a student committee. More than 1,000 students were also polled to create the event.

"The students have the majority of ownership of Fall Fest," said Michael Duignan, CAP Center director. "We want to send the message, 'This is your university. You get to have a say in how we do things.'"

For student organizer Stephen Mayer '19, Fall Fest captures the excitement of transitioning into a new academic year. "The best thing about Fall Fest by far is the atmosphere," he noted. "It's a time of celebration."

Watch the fun unfold below.