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Fall Fest Overview
Fall Festival 2012 will take place Oct. 11-13, with Taste of Newton Thursday, Oct. 11, and the Fall Festival fair on campus Saturday, Oct. 13.
Thursday
Each year, the Newton community kicks off Bethel’s Fall Festival on Thursday evening from 6-9 p.m. with Taste of Newton downtown. Dozens of food booths sponsored by groups from the college, area churches, civic clubs and service organizations line the streets. Music and dance groups perform at two locations.Friday
On Friday, the Bethel College Office of Admissions hosts prospective students and their families on campus. A special Fall Festival convocation sets the mood for student enjoyment of the upcoming weekend’s activities. Classes end at noon and the afternoon and evening include special activities for Bethel students, alumni and guests.Saturday
Most Fall Festival activities are held on Saturday. The campus comes alive with an array of activities, many as part of a “Fall Festival fair” spread across the Green:- foods of all kinds, including traditional Mennonite fare
- booths by academic departments and clubs
- music and other entertainment on three stages
- children’s activities of all kinds
- sports events, including sports competitions and Hall of Fame recognition
- arts and crafts by alumni and guests of the college
- a special fine arts performance or stage production
- humorous programs in the Swiss-German and Low German dialect
- exhibits in the art gallery and at Kauffman Museum
- craft demonstrations and special features, such as displays of antique quilts
- a Market on the Green to benefit the Bethel College Women’s Association
- special lectures by alumni and guests
- the latest in Bethel “logo wear” and memorabilia at Thresher Bookstore
- walks through a prairie exhibit and along Sand Creek near the college
- alumni reunions for grads in various majors, for young alumni, and for the 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th and 35th anniversary classes
Sunday
On Sunday morning, the Bethel College Mennonite Church, adjacent to the campus, hosts a special worship service. Fall Festival activities often conclude with a final fine arts performance or stage production in the afternoon.For more information, please contact the alumni office, which coordinates Fall Festival.