HampFest Showcases Student Groups

The Arts Village buzzed with activity September 12 during HampFest, the biannual student activities fair where student groups present themselves to the Hampshire community. More than 100 groups participated this year.

Crowds swarmed between neat rows of tables. Enthusiastic conversation hummed in the air, accompanied by the thumping bass of music. Colorful painted signs rose up over the sea of students, pointing out the various types of groups — music and performance, spiritual, academic, activist, and many more. Each table had its own way of attracting attention — large decorated banners, bowls of candy, videos displayed on laptops, free backrubs, and juggling being a few examples.

HampFest 2014 was a chaotic but fun environment, where students could meet each other and join the groups that interested them. “It’s really great to see first years get involved in the Hampshire community,” said one. Many others seemed to share this sentiment, expressing their eagerness to meet people and form new connections. “It’s nice to see people sign up, and to see that people have the same interests as you,” said one group leader. “It can be hectic, but it’s a good way to meet people.” Another called it fun to see Hampshire’s “goofiness” all in one place.

Over all, HampFest was an exciting event that showcased the variety of student groups at Hampshire. It also had a welcoming atmosphere where students could get acquainted with each other and find people with mutual interests. Hampshire has a diverse group of students with many different passions, and it shows.