On Friday, Oct. 9, Oakland University’s student-run radio station, WXOU, held its annual Harvest Fest at Elliott Tower.

Thanks to the Student Activities Funding Board (SAFB), the Student Program Board (SPB), OU Eats, OU Recreation and Well-Being, OU Student Congress (OUSC), StudiOU and The Oakland Post, students were able to step away from the books for a few hours.

The on-campus fall festival was organized for the first time last year as a way to bring OU students, faculty and alumni together. Attendees were welcomed with live music played by WXOU staff and guest performers, setting the tone for an entertaining evening.

Fall foods like donuts, cider, baked goods and corn were available in addition to hot dogs and hot sauce. Vendors included OU students, as well as small businesses who wanted to share their art with the community. 

Alvin Toma, founder of Hacker Hot Sauce, started his business two years ago. He and his team are now in their fifth year of operation.

“I saw this event on Instagram and my friend had also sent it to me. Ever since I was little, I always carried a small Tabasco bottle with me; I’d take it to birthday parties, communions, weddings, cousins houses and I’d pull it out from my jacket. Right before COVID I started making hot sauce as a joke and it kinda took off from there,” Toma said. 

Sisters Nashrah and Zoya Mistry, both OU students, showcased a delicious display of homemade desserts. 

“We started our business back home in India when we started to learn how to bake … We ended up going to baking school over there, and then when we moved here, we thought of pursuing this as a side career for a bit of cash. We started off with cheesecake cups, but this is now the first time we’ve made brownies, fall special chai latte cupcakes, carrot cake cupcakes and all new things,” Mistry said.

A table that many students flocked to was run by Yoshino Watanabe and her mother. The two women offered crochet animals, blankets, hats and even card readings. Several students spoke highly of the readings particularly.

“I saw so many people enjoying themselves and the people around them. One thing that caught the eye of my friends and I was the tarot readings; we were amazed at how scarily accurate she was! The event’s ability to bring people together in a harmonious manner was so special,” Laronte Woodward-Brooks said.

Nearby vendors had vintage clothing, hand-made jewelry and ceramics, hoping to share their creations with attendees.

Mila Yurenka, a jewelry designer who also happens to be an OU freshman, expressed her interest in the annual affair.

“I wanted to be a part of Harvest Fest to be connected to the community as a new student while sharing my art. I think because art is less appreciated these days, we need to share it to express ourselves,” Yurenka said.

Danielle Rancilio, founder of The Crone Ceramics, offered a craft which had been part of her entire life. Small bowls, ghosts and even mugs were for sale.

“I have been doing ceramics since I was little. When my kids got older, I decided to turn it into a business. I love our art community here in Rochester; we have so many amazing creative people, and I think it’s great to support each other at fun events like this. Art brings people together for something positive … and we need way more of that right now,” Rancilio said.

As the sun went down and attendance grew, guests pet therapy dogs, had their faces painted, carved pumpkins, participated in potato sack races and in corn hole tournaments.

OU alum, May Chang, returned to campus as she does quite frequently — appreciative for a community she called home for over four years. 

“OU is close to home. I found a marketing internship at Mopec right now and I’m working toward securing a full-time position. During those times when I want to relax, OU is always a nice choice and with Harvest Fest going on, I thought to come and visit,” Chang said.

Maya Kirksey, General Manager of WXOU, was overwhelmed with gratitude for an event well done. The celebration of fall is the highlight of the semester for many students at OU.

“I am so happy with the turnout, with all of the vendors showing up and all of the SAFAC orgs coming together to put on this fantastic event. It was super fun, a great outcome, lots of yummy cider and donuts and General Dogs came all the way from Home Depot to give us free hot dogs. Overall, I’m super pleased, and I hope next year will have bigger and better things,” Kirksey said.