Photo by Ayla Safran '18
BY SARAH OLSEN '18
On Saturday night the Pageant Green was busy with activity as The Network hosted their annual “Nightfest!” event, which was moved from the Lantern Green due to construction.
Pearl Schleinig ’19 enjoyed the change of location, stating that this year the setup of “Nightfest!” was more spread out and less confusing.
Fairy lights were strung around the tents, illuminating the photo booth and tables set up by Bedsider and the Outing Club.
Live music played from the amphitheater stage courtesy of folk and indie rock performer Josh Baum, a saxophone and guitar duo known as the The New Rockwells and WMHC radio DJs. Band merchandise and CDs were available for purchase at one of the tables.
Many students came for the free food. The Student Government Association served vanilla and cookie dough ice cream, while the Halal Cart on the Pageant Green prepared vegetarian, chicken and lamb meals for students who were willing to wait in line.
“I [was] really happy they had the Halal truck….I came here because of the halal truck.” Daria Rassoulian ’19 said.
“Nightfest!” was the first event with the new board of The Network. According to the organization’s Facebook page, the Network is a “student run social programming board” with the goal of meeting “student social needs by planning a variety of creative events.”
The Network hosts many social events on campus, including Spring Weekend and “New Year’s in November Masquerade Ball.” Some of The Network’s events, such as “Turn Me On” and “Nightfest!”, are collaborations with WMHC.
According to Lily Williams ’18, the coordinator of vendors and merchandise, “Nightfest!” is an important tradition at Mount Holyoke as the event brings “the community together” and celebrates the beginning of the school year.
Photo by Lynn Shen '19
The Network chose a variety of food and entertainment with the goal of entertaining everyone at the event.
“People have come to expect things at ‘Nightfest!’ and we don’t want to disappoint them, but we are always looking for new things to add. So if we can fit it in our budget we’re happy to hear it.” Sidonie Le Youdec ’17, the co-chair of The Network said.
The Network is hoping to experiment with smaller events throughout the year, and, in the near future, on Halloween weekend.