Oksoberfest commemorates National Substance Abuse Prevention month

We may not be used to cold weather in Abilene, but Hardin-Simmons proved that cold weather is not an excuse for not having fun with the fourth annual celebration of Oksoberfest. It was an event that took place at Anderson Lawn for celebrating the fall season and enjoying Halloween time while creating awareness about the month of National Substance Abuse Prevention. It is a celebration where everyone can relax, get some non-alcoholic drinks, carve out pumpkins and play games.

Students enjoying Oksoberfest 2018

Similar to the well-known German holiday Oktoberfest, the event is named Oksoberfest since October is the National Substance Abuse Prevention month. The idea is that all month, institutions prevent and address substance abuse. Prevention strategies are essential to control drug abuse and to help people to live a healthier life. Since Oct 2011, the Office of National Drug Control has focused on commemorating this month to help people understand the vital role prevention plays in this matter.

HSU has been hosting this event for the last few years, and it all started when a Residence Director brought the tradition to Hardin-Simmons from another college. They thought about it as an idea of gathering people together and having a good time. Since then, Oksoberfest has been a fall-inspired celebration to chill by the fire and relax while drinking hot chocolate.

“This is a new opportunity to meet new people because you join to other students that maybe you did not have the chance to meet before,” said Wendy Chuning, Anderson Hall Residence Director. “I think it is important because it brings people together, and we want to make it a tradition. We hope that in the future it becomes an event that students look forward to.”

bobbing for apples during Oksoberfest 2018

At Oksoberfest, they served different drinks including root beer and apple cider. There was a table with pumpkins for people to carve and take home as souvenirs. Residence Assistants prepared cookies and cupcakes, and to keep everyone warm there were two campfires where people cooked their own s’mores. Different crackers and toppings were provided to experience roasting marshmallows by the campfire.

“I am having an awesome time. I came with my friends, and the whole experience is great so far. I hope we have the same event next year,” said Zoey Abigail, a first-year student.

The event also included music and not even the cold weather stopped those present from bobbing for apples and playing corn hole.

This years’ edition of Oksoberfest proved that HSU has a great fellowship and spirit of autumn fun, and the organizers are working on making this celebration a tradition that will have everyone ready for next year’s celebration.