Making the most of fall at SEMO

Pumpkin-flavored coffee isn’t the only way to get into the fall spirit. Southeast Missouri State University holds a number of fall events to make students feel festive. There are many upcoming on- and off-campus events to celebrate the fall season.

Here’s a can’t-miss list of fall traditions at SEMO and in the Cape Girardeau area.

Homecoming

SEMO’s homecoming is a huge celebration enjoyed by students, staff, alumni, family and community alike. The celebration involves a parade through the streets of Cape Girardeau, as well as tailgating and a homecoming football game. According to the SEMO website, the homecoming tradition has been going strong for almost 100 years, and is a way to bring together alumni and students.

Many organizations, especially Greek life organizations, create meticulously detailed floats for the parade.

Senior physical therapy major Gabby Stewart said homecoming is one of her favorite events of the year, and preparing the float and marching in the homecoming parade helps her feel connected to her Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority sisters on a more personal level. In addition to homecoming, football games are another activity that gets her in the SEMO spirit.

This year, there will also be a Homecoming kick-off block party in honor of the University’s 150th anniversary on Oct. 13 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. It will feature games and activities, booths, and more.

More information about homecoming can be found here, and information about the block party can be found here.

SEMO Fall Fest

The Student Activities Council (SAC) is hosting a fall fest from 3-5 p.m. on Sept. 29 outside of Kent Library. The fest will feature inflatable ax throwing, painting, sack races, and bobbing for apples and snacks.

SAC advisor Caroline Brune said it’s important to her to help people build community.

“Finding the group of people that you want to hang out with and be around and bringing those people to these types of events [helps students] feel pride in the college they chose to go to,” Brune said.

More information can be found here.

Riverfront Fall Festival

The Riverfront Fall Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 along the floodwall. It will feature a variety of artisanal craftwork, delicious local food and beverages, and five local bands.

More information can be found here.

Cape Riverfront Spooky Market

The Riverfront Spooky Market isn’t just any farmer’s market. It will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 28, and in addition to the usual fresh food, produce and artisanal creations, it will offer henna tattoos, tarot card readings, costume contests for pets, adults and children; pumpkin painting, cookie decorating and more. Cape Riverfront Market manager Tori Holmes said attending events in the Cape Girardeau area is a great way for students to form connections while in college.

“We really encourage students to go to SEMO to get involved in the community. It seems like once they do, they form an attachment to downtown and Cape itself. They start building relationships and forming bonds with downtown business owners,” Holmes said.

More information can be found here.

Halloween at Crisp Museum

This fun-filled weekend will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28and from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, featuring family-friendly activities such as making a rag monster, creating a wooden pumpkin or tombstone, and carving a jack-o-lantern (participants must bring their own pumpkin). Activities also include the 6th Annual Halloween Scavenger Hunt.

More information can be found here.

Halloween Trick or Treat

Halloween Trick or Treat at Crisp Museum will be held on October 31 from 4-8 p.m. Participants can stop by for a treat and stay for the Halloween Scavenger Hunt for the chance to win a cauldron of candy.

More information can be found here.