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Fall Fest 2024:
A Night of Fellowship, Music, and Community
This November, Catholic Noles gathered for one of our most beloved traditions — Fall Fest! As the weather cooled and the leaves began to change, students made their way to the beautiful farm of a generous parishioner in Havana, just 20 minutes from campus.
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Our Signature Events Team had already been hard at work: setting up tables, hanging lights, decorating the space, and transforming the farm into a warm, festive venue. Dozens of students jumped in to help throughout the afternoon, creating an atmosphere of joy and collaboration even before the event began.
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​By 6 p.m., groups of students began arriving along the scenic country road, trickling in steadily as the festivities kicked into full swing. The band lit up the barn with energetic covers of well-loved classics, while students enjoyed chili dogs, desserts of every kind, hot cocoa, and plenty of friendly cornhole competitions.
After a busy stretch of midterms, Fall Fest offered a much-needed break.
“I really enjoyed Fall Fest because of the fellowship — it was a great night to catch up with friends,” shared Olman Hernandez, a sophomore at FSU.
Heartfelt laughter and joyous conversations took place as the night carried on. Some circles enjoyed conversations on deeper more philosophical topics while others enjoyed light banter and the opportunity to be with close friends. It was powerful to see how God personally and intentionally loved all of these people who were strangers a couple years ago and brought them all together in one big family of Catholic Noles.
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During the band’s intermission, Stephanie Shipley and several FOCUS missionaries led a lively line-dancing session, inviting students to learn new steps and swing partners across the dance floor.
“I loved the line dancing,” said freshman Megan Vegas. “Seeing so many of my friends having a good time — and getting swung around — was super fun!”
With string lights illuminating the barn, students danced, sang, relaxed, and enjoyed one another’s presence well into the evening. Many said it was the best Fall Fest yet — a joyful pause in a hectic semester and a reminder of the beauty of Christian friendship.
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When the final song ended and lights came up, dozens of volunteers immediately pitched in to clean. With many hands, the decorations came down quickly, and soon the barn doors slid shut on a night full of grace, laughter, and community.
