ICC Hosts Successful Activities Fair and Back-to-School Bash in Renovated Courtyard

By Essie Newton and Jasper Antonelli

Today, Student Life held the Activities Fair and Back-to-School Bash, an event inviting all students to explore all the clubs, facilities, and organizations open to students at ICC. 

Sheltered under large canopies and seated at wide activity tables, over thirty organizations participated in the event that was held in the newly renovated courtyard. Despite the heat, many students visited the fair while passing between classes or leaving the building. 

Present at the fair were various clubs and organizations. Some clubs promoted different student hobbies, such as the Horticulture Club, the Fashion Club, and the D&D Club.

 Organizations that provide resources and services to students were also present at the fair, including The Academic Support Center, the Benefits Navigator and the Mental Health Resources. 

 Additionally, other organizations with a broader connection to the community, such as the Fitness Center, the Army Reserve and the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria, were present.

Many students said they enjoyed the music, atmosphere and dancing. Others liked the massive dart board, the free snow cones and the cotton candy. Brent England, a student at ICC, expressed his admiration for Cru, a non-denominational Christian student group, and its outreach initiative. 

Evan Fandel, an ICC student, said that, “I like how everything is sort of situated, how it’s organized. You have your serious club stuff on one side of the courtyard, your games and whatnot on another side of the courtyard. It’s organized very neatly and nicely.”

However, one student expressed his concern about the fair distracting students from their studies. Another student, named Dulce, had trouble navigating the narrow walkways provided. Others complained about the heat. 

Harbinger Student Media also interviewed two organizations. Doug Koehler, from the ICC Cougarplex and Fitness Center, talked enthusiastically about the cheap gym membership offered to students, but wished the event had not been held in the courtyard due to the heat. 

Piper Petrocelli from the League of Women’s Voters of Greater Peoria was ecstatic about the opportunity to engage with students, especially non-driving ones. She mentioned that she had many interactions with students and thanked Student Life for “rolling out the red carpet ” for the organization. Despite being called the League of Women’s Voters, the organization received interest from students of all genders.