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After spending four years away from the United States, Syracuse University freshman Menna Stephens was looking to connect to her newfound college community on her 19th birthday. So, she went to Harvest Fest.

“There are a lot of things where I’m like, ‘This is very, very American,’” she said. “It’s a bit of a homecoming.”

In collaboration with Greek Council and the Student Government Association, University Union hosted Harvest Fest this Sunday in Walnut Park. Attractions included local vendors, a student DJ competition and food trucks.

Accompanied by fellow freshmen Ru Amin and Anna Hinshaw, also international students, Stephens explored all the event had to offer.

Hinshaw, who attended high school in London, England, said she enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the community outside of campus and see small businesses.

“I really like the community and the school spirit,” she said. “You don’t really get that kind of stuff in the UK.”

The DJ competition featured six student artists. Audience members bought votes for their favorite, and the proceeds went to a charity of the winning artist’s choice.

Sophomore and hobbyist DJ Cameron Kimelman took the stage representing Delta Tau Delta. He said he appreciated the experience, which gave him an audience in his first year of performing. Another fraternity member signed him up for the opportunity, only telling him later about the commitment.

One of the event’s most popular attractions was the Pie A President stand, where students could pay a small sum to launch a pie at the organization leader of their choosing. Senior Alexis Rouson, president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, was hit three times in the first six minutes of the event.

One of the most popular events at Harvest Fest was Pie A President. Leaders of multiple on-campus organizations lined up to get pied. Leonardo Eriman | Photo Editor

Despite the shaving cream on her face, Rouson expressed enthusiasm about helping to make the event what it was.

“I know that Syracuse is trying to make Harvest Fest a big thing, so I want to help in any way I can,” Rouson said.

Linus Brooks, head bookseller at Parthenon Books, sold a wide selection at Harvest Fest. Parthenon displayed mainly banned books, as Sunday marked the start of Banned Books Week. The collection included romance books and an expanded horror genre to celebrate October.

“We love when people buy books from us, but we also just love talking about books with people, and a lot of people have been coming up, just wanting to talk, so that’s been a good time,” Brooks said.

Syracuse graduate student Mackenzie Mallory attended the festival to connect with friends, pick up local produce and walk her dog, Wynette.

Wynette, a black lab puppy, became an attraction all her own — event attendees often asked Mallory if they could pet the dog. Though her puppy got a little tired from all the attention, she did well, Mallory said.

“There’s a lot of produce stands,” Mallory said. “I like that, because it means I don’t have to eat the (campus) food all the time and I can cook for myself.”

Syracuse resident Sam Ponessa was also impressed by the variety of products on display. Though Ponessa was already aware of Syracuse’s large vintage clothing scene, he was happy to see it represented at the event.

Ponessa purchased a bag of apples from Plum & Mule, an organization that connects local farmers with consumers. He said he didn’t realize there were so many locally-owned farms in the area.

“I saw there were food trucks here, which I didn’t know were going to be here, so I’ll maybe get some lunch,” Ponessa said.

Many tents contained racks of secondhand clothes, handmade jewelry and stickers. Two vendors sold locally produced honey in a variety of flavors, while another stocked homemade sourdough loaves and cookies.

Sellers like Parthenon Books were enthusiastic about connecting with SU students and showcasing their goods to the campus community at Harvest Fest.

“One of our main goals as a bookstore is to be really involved in the community,” Brooks said. “In Syracuse, one of the biggest parts is the university, so we’re really happy to be here.”

Published on October 5, 2025 at 8:55 pm