A girl dress like a zombie bumble bee, holding a jar of honey.

One of the previous contestants poses for the Student Center Halloween costume contest. (Photo provided)

October 23, 2024

Everyone invited to SIU’s Student Center Halloween festivities

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Everyone is invited to celebrate Halloween Saluki-style at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Student Center on Oct. 31.

The highlight of the day is the free Halloween Bash from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballrooms. Children, community members and students are invited to come enjoy indoor trick-or-treating, featuring candy and a variety of activities hosted by the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism and TRiO Achievers.

Spooky fun things happening all over

Special activities and promotions are happening that day throughout the Student Center. Stop by the Student Center Craft Shop, located on the lower level, between noon and 2 p.m. and enjoy a variety of walk-in crafting activities. All ages are welcome, and no preregistration is required.

For just $10, you can make your very own tie-dyed T-shirt in Halloween colors. The price includes a T-shirt and dye. Other special holiday crafts include paper masks ($5) and Halloween Perler bead art ($2). You can also choose to create any of the nonseasonal crafts, including alcohol ink tile coasters, a tote bag, friendship/hemp bracelets, mosaic picture frame, stamped leather key chains, origami and more. Prices vary.

In addition, Bowling and Billiards will offer special pricing all day with $2 billiards and bowling and $1 shoe rental. Costumes are optional.

Also, anyone who visits the Marketplace Food Court and Starbucks in costume will get a 15% discount on food and drink purchases.

Campus community costume contest

Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in the Student Center’s annual costume contest. Come by the Roman Room any time between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. wearing your favorite Halloween costume. Photos will be taken of all participants and a panel of judges will select the winners with prizes awarded to the top two. All photos will be posted on the Student Center’s Facebook page.