Colorado Mesa University’s (CMU) Homecoming Carnival and Bonfire that occurred on Oct. 26 was a fun time… for freshman and children.
Carnival goers had to sign a safety waver to use the inflatable courses that Bananas Fun Park provided. Then participants could pick up a wristband from the Associated Student Government (ASG) booth that allowed them to take part in inflatable activities like a basketball hoop shooting contest, puffed-out body suits and a rock and joust game.
After I got my wristband, I headed straight to the inflatable jousting game. My inner ear’s balance must have been off because I was forced into the splits before I could ever strike my opponent. This activity turned into a slew of back summersaults and giggles for my friends and I. But for a different group, it meant war.
“I would say the sparring is a little too violent for my liking. The guy was not watching us hit each other in the face multiple times. I actually got thrown over the barricade one time.” Freshman Kyle Young said.
Freshman and Staff Writer for the Criterion, Ryan Biller, received a bloody nose from participating in the jousting event.
“Other than that, [the carnival] is good. I’m having a really good time. They are charging me for the cider here. So that’s kind of a complaint that I do have. Other than that, it’s a great time. High energy and lots of fun.”
I was expecting to be smothered in free gifts, but the only offerings were the wristbands, Jenga, Programming Activity Council’s (PAC) bandana giveaways, and Graduate Education and Medical Sciences (GEMS) club’s pin the bone on the skeleton.
“I like seeing everyone having a good time and being social. The loud music is a big plus.” Erick Chaparro, a first-year marketing major said. “I’m really upset about the non-free cider, but other than that everything has been great.”
I wasn’t the only one upset about a lack of giveaways at the carnival.
“They let me have one cotton candy but they said I had to pay money, and I didn’t have any cash on me. So I had to give them the cotton candy back. I only got one bite,” Biller said.
You could pay to decorate cookies, answer trivia questions and stack cups, throw darts at balloons and more. Students were hesitant to spend money at the carnival, but children and parents from the community enjoyed all the booths’ offerings.
“I feel like there’s a problem with this carnival. I feel like it’s missing something. I don’t know what it is. Maybe a clown, maybe some other fun activities. I feel like it’s too generic. Too lame. Other than that, I think the apple cider is good,” freshman and staff writer for the Criterion
At least some students were willing to spend money at the carnival.
After the carnival ended, the Homecoming Bonfire replaced the chilly air with flames. The art department did an amazing job on the Yellow Jacket sculpture that ended up getting burned to a pulp. During the bonfire, CMU’s Radio Sation KMSA 91.3 FM played songs that went well with the sacrilegious event.
The bonfire grew so hot that the workers who tamed the flames also had to drench themselves in water. The closer I got to the bonfire, the faster my departure came. After about 15 minutes of dancing to CMU’s marching band’s anthems, the Mavettes and cheerleaders’ routines, I was out of there.
Overall, the bonfire got students and football players excited to annihilate their opponent for the Homecoming football game.
