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On Saturday, Oct. 5, Quimby’s Prairie was transformed into a vibrant field of tall, white tents and brightly-colored picnic blankets. It was Community Fest, an annual tradition that brings Ewing families, businesses and the College together for a day of fall festivities.
The band Crazy Ivan could be heard all around campus, pumping out classic rock and backyard-barbeque tunes. Toddlers danced together on the green while parents watched from the stands.
“The weather is perfect,” said Adam Priori. “It made us want to come out and enjoy the day.” Priori and his family painted pumpkins at one of the many craft tents at Community Fest.
Community Fest is entirely run by volunteers from both the College and the town.
The Senior Citizen Advisory Council was one of the many local organizations assisting with the day’s events, according to Chirley Csercsevits. Csercsevits has been volunteering at Community Fest for over five years.
Students and teachers from the local high school volunteered to paint faces. Many student organizations could also be found running booths under the event’s big white tents.
The Student Chemists Association was conducting a bubble experiment for children using dry ice, bubbles and water.
“We’re showing enthusiasm for chemistry and sharing it with Ewing,” sophomore chemistry major Susan Knox said.
The Ewing Green Team was playing Frisbee on the field and giving out Frisbees to anyone who wanted one. This organization, in cooperation with the College’s Bonner scholars, works to promote sustainability in the community.
“We are always trying to make Ewing a healthier and greener place to live,” said sophomore biology major Aygen Heparker.
The outside of the Prairie was lined with the booths, tents and trucks of various local eateries. The cuisines available at the event ranged from hotdogs and cheesesteaks to homemade sandwiches and Danishes.
“It’s a really great day to come out as a community,” said JoAnne Brown while she served a delicately decorated cupcake from her bakery, Let Them Eat Cake. Brown explained that Community Fest is a great opportunity for small businesses to introduce themselves to the neighborhood.
For the food-truck Pura Vida, meaning “pure life,” it was its first time at Community Fest.
“We’re rookies today,” said Gilberto Ramirez from the window of the truck. “It’s an awesome day — a beautiful time with beautiful people.”
