It’s known as “Devil’s Night” in Detroit.
In another part of the Midwest in Cincinnati, they call it “Cabbage Night.”
Farther out on the East Coast, as far as New Jersey, residents consider Oct. 30 — the night before Halloween — “Mischief Night.”
But at Sunny Hills High School on the West Coast, on the afternoon before All Hallows Eve from 3:30-5:30 p.m., the quad will be decked out with a candy land theme as part of the annual “Fall Festival,” a free event sponsored by the Conservatory of Fine Arts [COFA]. Those in the program attending the festival will also receive COFA credit to add to their Laureate Award applications.
“Currently, everyone’s busy organizing candy-inspired decor, activities and performances to make for a festive atmosphere [in the quad],” said COFA president senior Celerina Lee, who is in charge of overseeing the program’s council.
While Wednesday, Oct. 30, won’t sound as spooky here as in Detroit or New Jersey, COFA’s Fall Festival will feature performances from organizations ranging from orchestra to vocal ensemble to theater to dance, said COFA director sophomore Ellen Hwang.
“I’m really excited for the performances, but I don’t want to be partial toward any of the groups, so I’m going to say the Ubatuba Acai bowls are what I’m most looking forward to during the Fall Fest,” Hwang said. “Of course, all our performances are so good every year.”
The sophomore was referring to the food vendor that will be at the event with workers selling 8-ounce acai bowls at a table for a discounted price of $5, Lee said.
Eventgoers will also have the option to purchase treats from groups like First Responders Club, which will sell Halloween and fall-themed cake pops for $2, or Fashion Club, which will offer Dubai chocolate bars for $8.
“COFA loves to show our art pathways in our school, but having student clubs at the events just adds to show how awesome our school truly is,” COFA director senior Jharlize Estonactoc said.
Lee said the Ubatuba vendor will accept either cash or Venmo, while student-run booths selling snacks will only accept cash.
For the annual Fall Festival raffle, organizers have come up with a six-pack box of Crumbl Cookies. To get a raflle ticket, students would need to purchase in cash a $10 COFA T-shirt.
“We wanted to offer something fun and trendy,” Lee said. “I’m excited since Crumbl cookies are a popular choice among students, especially given the autumnal lineup this week.”
Hwang said winners will be announced at the end of the event.
The theme was chosen to create a whimsical atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of fall, Esctonactoc said. Organizers plan to decorate the quad with large lollipop poles and candy corn banners.
“I’m most looking forward to seeing our vision come together,” Hwang said. “Jhar and I worked on Fall Fest for a long time and put in a lot of effort, so looking at our finished product would be the most rewarding experience.”
Lee added that the festival promises to be an exciting event with something for everyone.
“Creating an enjoyable experience for students is our top priority,” the COFA president said. “I think the Fall Fest is a great way to spend a festive afternoon [before Halloween] with your friends.”
