Eastern Connecticut State University’s Campus Activity Board (CAB) hosted Fall Fest from Sept. 21-26. The weeklong event included socially distanced activities ranging from virtual game nights, to a grab and go “make your own” stuffed animal event and an outdoor movie night.

The student-run CAB plans events for Eastern students and the surrounding community. Events in the past have included concerts, trips and guest comedians and lecturers. Due to COVID-19 safety guidelines, many of past Fall Fest events could not occur. Even so, CAB adjusted its plans to provide students with engaging experiences just the same.

On Monday, an outdoor movie was hosted at the Mansfield Sports Center. Students had the choice between bleacher and field seats, while a large outdoor movie screen showed the film “Grown Ups” on the baseball field. Students were provided snacks and seated at least six feet apart from one another.

Virtual events included a comedy special on Tuesday from comedian Ian Lara via WebEx and a fall themed trivia night on Thursday with Halloween movie trivia. On Saturday the festival ended with a bingo-style game day. The event included extravagant prizes such as Air pods and Apple watches, as well as Eastern apparel and Fall fest shirts.

Other in-person events included a “Stuff an Animal” activity on Wednesday in which students picked up stuffed animal kits and stuffed them outdoors or in their dorms. On Friday, two food trucks, DrewbaQ and Naples Pizza, came to Eastern. Student had to pre-register for both events.

Throughout the week, CAB randomly gifted students who attended the events with Fall Fest shirts and masks. Students were required to follow all University health and safety guidelines, including wearing facemasks at all times and keeping six feet of social distancing at all on-ground events.