Oldest tradition Thursday, October 28, 2021
Kylie Hammack Staff Reporter
monetary donations are important to Rickman and Misener’s organizations because they provide some relief during times of the year, like summer, when pantries are usually bare. The Harvest Carnival was also an opportunity for OSU student organizations to get involved with the Stillwater community through educational games. From a bouncy house to plastic bulls and lassos, the carnival participants came ready to entertain. Freshman International Business and MSIS student Rachel Kate Puckett was working the carnival with Business Student Council and attending for the first time. “It’s a great to give back and a fun way to see the community outside of OSU,” Puckett said while operating the Business Student Council’s fishing themed booth. Junior Landscape Architecture major Nahlia Howard was working the booth for OSU’s chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects which allowed visitors to stamp their handprint on a poster of a tree in paint. “I enjoy kids a lot so getting to work with the kids and teach them facts about trees has been fun,” Howard commented. Similar to Howard and Puckett, many OSU students present were excited to get involved with kids from the Stillwater community and were inspired by Stillwater’s next generation of Cowboys. Overall, the Harvest Carnival served as a cheerful reminder of the tradition, community, and excitement of OSU Homecoming.
Bustling with kids in Halloween costumes, Oklahoma State student organizations, and Stillwater community members, Tuesday’s Harvest Carnival helped kick off OSU’s 100th homecoming festivities and did so for a good cause. First hosted in 1913, the Harvest Carnival is Oklahoma State’s oldest homecoming tradition and is the event that pioneered the extravagant homecoming festivities that take place in Stillwater every October. This year, the carnival welcomed OSU student organizations and local companies to setup carnival style games for costume-clad kids to enjoy. In addition to the carnival, a chili cookoff was held and carnival-goers were allowed to sample the tasty offerings from cookoff competitors. However, the Harvest Carnival was not just about the fun and games. Entrance to the carnival either required a canned good donation or an entrance fee which both went directly to the Junior Service League of Stillwater’s Harvest II organization. Harvest II is one of three main charity initiatives the Junior Service League of Stillwater runs. Junior Service League Chairs Laura Rickman and Jenny Misener work together to help feed Stillwater families in need, organize a yearly toy drive at Christmas, and run events like the Harvest Carnival. “All of tonight’s food goes to Our Daily Bread but we donate to other pantries as well,” Rickman explained. news.ed@ocolly.com Canned food and
The Harvest Carnival at the Payne County Expo was full of games and food for families and students to enjoy on Tuesday night.
The Harvest Carnival at the Payne County Expo was full of games and food for families and students to enjoy on Tuesday night.
The Harvest Carnival at the Payne County Expo was full of games and food for families and students to enjoy on Tuesday night.
Jaiden Daughty
Jaiden Daughty
Jaiden Daughty