Bemidji State’s Monster Mash Beaver Bash Delights Families

The Monster Mash Beaver Bash at Bemidji State University attracted families on October 31, 2023, for a lively evening filled with Halloween-themed activities. Held at the John Glas Fieldhouse, the event replaced the university’s traditional trick-or-treating at residence halls, offering children and parents a centralized location to enjoy the festivities safely.

The event was organized by **BSU Housing and Residential Life**, aiming to create an accessible environment for families. **Jonathan Dietz**, the director of housing and residential life, noted the event’s success, stating, “The energy level has been really high, even starting off with people arriving 15 to 30 minutes early and lining up to join in the fun.” He expressed satisfaction with the turnout, highlighting the importance of providing a warm and engaging atmosphere for the community.

As rain fell outside, families flocked indoors to enjoy a variety of activities. The event featured around a dozen student organizations, each hosting games, activities, and an array of treats. Among them, **Shelby Thyssen** and **Emma Ostrowski**, both resident assistants, reported greeting over **300 children** in just the first half-hour at one entrance. This level of participation underscores the appeal of the event and the community spirit it fostered.

A significant contributor to the event’s success was the active involvement of students from various clubs and organizations. Dietz mentioned that approximately **90%** of those helping were students rather than staff. Groups such as the **Communications Honor Society**, **Wildlife Society**, and **International Student Organization** participated by running stations and engaging with attendees. This collaborative effort reflects a strong sense of community and student engagement at Bemidji State.

Activities included pumpkin tic-tac-toe, giant Jenga, and bowling, all designed to entertain and delight the young trick-or-treaters. Bucky the Beaver, the university’s mascot, made a special appearance, mingling with children and posing for photos amidst the colorful costumes.

Dietz expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, stating, “It’s so fun to see our student community come out and really engage with everyone and connect with folks and just have a good time.” The success of the Monster Mash Beaver Bash not only provided a safe and festive environment for children but also strengthened community ties within the university, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and fun at Bemidji State University.