Clubs Plan Halloween Celebrations Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

The+CAB+General+Board+is+hosting+a+Halloween+spirit+week+where+participants+can+submit+images+of+the+day%E2%80%99s+theme.+%28Courtesy+of+Instagram%29

The CAB General Board is hosting a Halloween spirit week where participants can submit images of the day’s theme. (Courtesy of Instagram)

Cory Bork, Contributing Writer

If there is one thing that is for certain this year, it is that Halloween will be different from any Halloween experienced in years past. Many Fordham clubs have adapted to the pandemic and still plan to give Fordham students a COVID-19 safe Halloween to remember.

Campus Activities Board (CAB) is hosting its usual week of Halloween events from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. However, they have adapted to COVID-19 regulations, according to Olivia Bezzone, FCRH ’23, a member of CAB’s executive board.

“Most of our events have changed from last year by moving indoor events outdoors, bingo being separated into two rooms instead of being in Keating 2nd Auditorium and all events have a maximum of 50 people with an exception of the outdoor football field,” she said. 

Bezzone says CAB is adhering to guidelines while still giving students the authentic feel of Halloween. CAB has already hosted events such as WAC Pumpkin Patch on Edwards Parade this past Sunday, Oct. 25 and a Cinevents Movie Night on Coffey Field on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Upcoming events include Golf Cart Ghost Tours starting at the McGinley Entrance at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 and a General Board Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt at Keating Terrace beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29. 

CAB has also planned a General Board Trick or Treat Street located on Hughes Terrace at 11 a.m. and a Cultural “Boo at the Zoo” Trip to the Bronx Zoo at noon on Halloween. Finally, on Sunday, Nov. 1, the WAC Bingo events in North Dining and McGinley Ballroom will happen at 7 p.m.

Fordham Experimental Theatre (FET) has adapted to COVID-19 by hosting their usual in-person shows virtually. One event that FET is excited about is its Horror Film Competition. 

“Students film their own short horror films, and we will give out prizes to the best ones with a watch party on Halloween,” said Vice President of FET Emma Paolini, FCRH ’21. 

She said movies should be between five and 20 minutes long and follow social distancing guidelines. FET will even fund movie expenses of up to $20. These movies are due by midnight on Oct. 29 through Google Drive. 

Jack Kennedy, FCRH ’23, the special events planner for the Mimes and Mummers, said the Mimes will be hosting a viewing of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” in Collins Auditorium on Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. 

The Fordham Ramblers, the Fordham Hot Notes, the Satin Dolls and the b-Sides, are hosting a Halloween teaser performance on Thursday, Oct. 25 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. in Keating 1st Auditorium. Attendance will be limited, and they will have ticket signups located in their Instagram bios.

Clubs are planning programs to provide an authentic Halloween feel and give students a sense of normalcy in these unprecedented times.

“Other than following COVID-19 guidelines and having space for only limited amounts of students, CAB has tried their best to make times seem as normal as last year,” said Bezzone.