Sometimes, students need to take a break from their studies to relax and enjoy the fresh air with friends.
For Algonquin College, the Frosh Carnival is the perfect way to do so with games and activities galore.
This year, students could enjoy this event with near-perfect weather outside the Student Commons on Sept. 13.
Brought to the college by Hart Entertainment, the carnival’s parent company, and hosted by the Students’ Association, the event saw inflatable structures, a popcorn vendor, sponsor tents and hundreds of students enjoying the fresh air.
“The purpose of this carnival is to try and cater to all students with different interests,” said Baldeep Randhawa, the events programmer for the SA.
“We are trying to shift the focus from alcohol, which is the basis for frosh week activities at other colleges and universities,” Randhawa continued. “This event provides an alternate to all the drinking, along with a positive attitude towards making new relationships.”
The inflatable structures included a climbable tiki statue, a large Connect 4 challenge and a mechanical bull, which was one of the popular sites at the carnival.
“My favourite thing to do today was riding the bull,” said Amber McAdam, a first-year aircraft maintenance engineering student. “All I could think about was hanging on for dear life before having to let go. It was a blast though!”
In addition to the midway-like attractions, there were tents set up by sponsors, such as Hudson’s Bay, giving away free promotional items. Even the Algonquin College Pride Centre had a tent, with students going over to decorate t-shirts with various colours of tie dye.
Overall, both new and returning students had a fun time, taking time to relax and enjoy themselves before returning to their studies.
“This event is good for students to have fun and take a break from studying,” said Quinn Blue, the coordinator for the Pride Centre. “It’s a chance for them to try and relieve some stress during the week.”
The Frosh Carnival visits 25 to 30 colleges and universities in Ontario every year.