Children gathered outside the Pennington Student Activity Center for the Fall Carnival. Nikhilesh Chhetri/The Lion's Roar

Candy and games entertained children for the Fall Carnival and Trick or Treat with the Greeks. Nikhilesh Chhetri/The Lion's Roar

The children of Hammond were treated with candy and games outside of the Pennington Student Activity Center on last Tuesday.

On Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m., Fall Carnival and Trick or Treat with the Greeks was organized by the Office for Student Engagement. Student Engagement partnered with the Greek Society, Office of Multicultural and International Student Affairs, the Black Student Union and Recreational Sports and Wellness.

Coordinator of Multicultural and International Student Affairs Marjorie Parker explained the purpose of Fall Carnival.

“The Fall Carnival is a community event for the children,” said Parker. “It’s for the children of the community to have a safe alternative to trick-or-treating.”

Parker further explained the importance of the Fall Carnival.

“It is important because it not only showcases Southeastern and all the potential that we have here to those students, but also gives them a fun and friendly atmosphere, and our organizations have the opportunity to earn community service hours,” said Parker. “Like I said, it provides the children with safe alternative.”

The carnival has been the go-to event for kids of the surrounding community for 13 years, and there has been one significant change since its beginning.

“One big change is that Trick or Treat in the Greek Street and Fall Carnival has merged together,” said Parker. “Our Greeks and organizations are working together as well as our departments are working together to kinda put this event and do activities and play games with the children and give them candies and prizes. So, the difference is that they’ve merged together to make one big Halloween event.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member Eugene Davis explained what Trick-or-Treat with the Greeks was.

“Trick Or Treat with the Greeks is where we just have little games out here for the kids have a good time with them and, you know, laugh and smile with them and give them candy,” said Davis.

Davis then shared why he felt the event was important.

“This is important for the university because we were able to interact with the community and invite them to the school, play with the kids and have a good time,” said Davis. “It pretty much is marketing for the university as well and getting the university’s name out there.”

Joe Coleman, who was also with Alpha Phi Alpha, shared his experience setting up the event.

“The experience was okay,” said Coleman. “I mean, it’s for a good cause and when it’s for a good cause, it doesn’t really matter.”

Dernell Badon, who was attending the event with his kids shared what he thought about it.

“I like it,” said Badon. “It’s real nice, you know. Something to do for the kids, some recreational, pretty nice. As of right now, it’s cool. I really like this, I really enjoy this for myself and my family, and there isn’t much to improve because it’s nice the way it is now.”