Fest Season is one of the most popular events of the spring semester for OU students. Fest Season weekends highlight Athens’ streets including, Mill, Milliron, High, Congress and Palmer streets.
According to a previous report by The Post, Fest Season was originally an OU-sponsored event in the 1980s. OU alumni celebrated Spring Fest and viewed it as the most popular and anticipated event of the year. The event was held on the South Green side of campus and included live music, vendors and several keg stands.
Most college students look forward to Fest Season as a time to interact with their fellow Bobcats. This weekend's sunny days and warmer temperatures only added to the exciting atmosphere. From Athens police officers patrolling the streets on horses to students flocking to parties, most participants stayed safe with their friends, all while having a good time.
Michael Lewallen, a senior studying marketing and business analytics, said he always participated in Mill Fest because he enjoys spending time with his friends.
“Seeing everybody all together, and it shows the community,” Michael said.
Many students feel the people are what Fest Season is all about. Adam Szucs, a senior studying aviation, said the fun weekends allow for an academic break.
“Everyone’s able to have a good time, and no one is allowed to be stressed out,” Szucs said. “It is a very good way to kind of unwind from a tough semester.”
Interacting with friends or meeting new people is a recurring favorite part of Mill Fest for multiple Bobcats. However, with hundreds of people coming together in one place, it often makes it easy to be placed in unsafe situations.
Grace Wallenhorst, a senior studying middle school education, said she and her friends' safety during Fest Season is top priority.
“We stay safe by having a buddy system and sharing our locations,” Wallenhorst said.
Griffin Studebaker, a junior studying engineering technology, said he is always aware of his surroundings during Fest Season.
“Just have to stay light on your feet, not get involved in anything that looks like a bad time, and stay with the people who you know are doing good things,” Studebaker said.
For a plethora of Bobcats, Mill Fest was a first-time experience; however, with the end of the semester quickly approaching, seniors are using these weekends to spend time with friends before graduation.
Emma Rennock, a senior studying communication, said it is bittersweet trying to enjoy her last Fest Season.
“I love Mill Fest because I get to hang out with all of my friends during a very special time in the great community of Athens, Ohio, so I am excited, but I am also really sad, because I graduate in May,” Rennock said.
Multiple students view Fest Season as a sign the school year is coming to a close, and for seniors, it shows how quickly graduation day is approaching. Friday and Saturday’s Congo and High Fest, might just bring more Fest Season antics before the semester wraps up.
