By Caitlyn Maltese
Student Life Editor
As students welcomed October with open arms, Washington College’s Students Events Board led the charge to remind students that it is never too early to start celebrating the holiday season.
Before the first leaves had fallen, the SEB hosted a “Pumpkin Partay” on Oct. 6. During the event, students were encouraged to meet in the Egg to paint or carve their own pumpkins free of charge.
Last Friday, Oct. 21, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., the Black Student Union (BSU) hosted a Halloween-themed party in the skybox of the Roy Kirby Jr. Stadium. Admission to the event was free and the entire campus was invited.
According to BSU President Danielle Bing, there was a costume contest and a mummy wrapping contest with cash prizes.
On Oct. 28, the annual Chestertown Halloween parade will be hosted by the WC Student Government Association (SGA) and the Chestertown Lions Club. The parade starts at 10 a.m.. Participants will make their way from Dixon Drive to High Street.
There will be costume contests with multiple categories, including: pre-school; elementary; middle; high school and adults; groups and floats. According to the SGA Speaker of the Senate Benjamin Fizer, the largest first place prize is around $25. The rain date is scheduled for Oct. 30 at 3 p.m..
This year, children will not be allowed to trick-or-treat through the college dormitories. This was a favorite tradition for students, due to a newly enforced no-soliciting rule on campus, it will no longer be possible.
On Halloween, the SGA will be hosting an event called “Haunting at Hynson” from 5 – 8 p.m. at the WC President’s House, the Hynson-Ringgold House which is currently occupied by President Shelia Bair.
“This is specifically for the town children to come through the house and make a goodie bag of treats… Hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided for parents and children,” said SGA Secretary of Social Life Victoria Cline.
The event will be manned by members of the SGA and by other volunteers. It is scheduled during the town’s trick or treating hours, it should be widely attended by local children.
“The kids will be coming into the house into the foyer by the double staircase for the event. The waterfront garden will be decorated as well in front of the house.”
In preparation for the event, last Sunday, the SGA and volunteers put up decorations. Students are encouraged to attend the event. Candy will be given with priority to children.
For the more brave-spirited, the Historical Society of Kent County presents Historic Ghost Walks through Chestertown. There will be tours held on Oct. 28 and 29 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..
“We’re not here to tell you our houses are haunted,” the Historical Society said on their website. “But many of them have some really unique, and quite often strange, stories as a part of their past and present.”
“Our Ghost Walks share some of the odder tales of local lore, including those of murder and mayhem…guides will walk ticket holders through centuries of stories, told against a backdrop of local history.”
On Oct. 30 at 4 p.m. the Emmanuel Episcopal Church will host “Haunted All Hallows Eve,” a free band concert by the Eastern Shore Wind Ensemble. The performance will be directed by WC professor Dr. Keith A. Wharton.
Additionally, on Halloween all WC retail dinning locations are offering five percent off your purchase for patrons who dress in costume.