BY RYLEE BRETTON
On Friday, January 31, FHSU students gathered in the Memorial Union for Afterdark. This event was hosted by the University Activities Board.
“Afterdark is a late-night event that we host to welcome students back to campus,” explained UAB President Jesse Schoenfeld. “It is always an event that helps students get excited for the upcoming semester.”
Afterdark is an event that UAB puts on at the beginning of every semester.
The preparation process for an event like this takes a long time. The UAB team began prepping in the fall semester. To begin the process, they first chose a theme. This semester they decided to go with a western theme. The team had several meetings where they would rattle off several ideas that would coincide with the theme. Once they agreed on a few ideas, the rest of the preparation process was a piece of cake.
The union’s rooms were covered in western decorations. Each room also has a different activity for students to enjoy. Some of these activities included a casino with different beverages and snacks, wood painting, succulent making, an escape room, and many more. These activities allowed time for students to take a break from homework and spend time with friends.
“I went to Afterdark with my friends,” explained FHSU student Jaqueline Rodrigues. “I had a lot of fun with them. It was a great way to end a stressful week filled with lots of homework.”
To end the night, some good ole fashioned chili and cinnamon rolls were served to FHSU students. While enjoying a tasty treat, students also had the opportunity to listen to their peers showcase their talents in a karaoke night. There was also a drawing for prizes at the end of the night. The prizes included: an air fryer, a photo printer that is smartphone accessible, and an Amazon firestick.
The UAB staff believed the event was a major success.
“We UAB staff members really enjoyed Afterdark,” said Schoenfeld. “Along with us having a great time, it seemed like students did as well. Overall, the event had a great turn out.”
Four students race bean bag horses around an obstacle course 
Four students race bean bag horses around an obstacle course 
Students engage in a line dance to country music 
Students engage in a line dance to country music 
A student practices her roping skills with this mechanical horse and calf 
A student hunts for a duck in a hunting simulation game 
Some students practice their aiming skills while shooting nerf guns at plastic cups 
Some students practice their aiming skills while shooting nerf guns at plastic cups 
Students practice their aiming skills while shooting nerf guns at plastic cups 
Students had the opportunity to make and decorate their own succulent pots 
Students had the opportunity to make and decorate their own succulent pots 
Students played games in the Black and Gold Room while snacking on popcorn, chips and salsa, and trail mix 
Students were offered “mocktails” as refreshments during the event 
Students were offered “mocktails” as refreshments during the event 
Students played games in the Black and Gold Room while snacking on popcorn, chips and salsa, and trail mix 
Students played games in the Black and Gold Room while snacking on popcorn, chips and salsa, and trail mix 
A student practices her roping skills with this mechanical horse and calf 
A student practices their mechanical bull-riding skills 
A student practices their mechanical bull-riding skills 
A student practices their mechanical bull-riding skills 
A student practices their mechanical bull-riding skills 
Students load up with candy and classic western treats