Frannies flock to flannel fest

Photo by Rachael Patin

Grace Murphy
Staff Writer

Two households hosted a flannel-themed coffeehouse in the J.C. Williams Center from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8.

The coffeehouse was hosted by the Handmaids of the Lord and Soldiers Under Command households, an annual fundraiser for both households known as Flannel Fest.

The event began at 7 p.m. Students were charged an entrance fee of three dollars, or five dollars for two people. The J.C. atrium was packed and students also watched from the stairs and second floor.

Following the flannel theme, most of the students in attendance wore flannel shirts. The J.C. atrium was decorated with fall-themed decor, including fake leaves on the tables and autumn-colored steamers hanging from the ceiling. Both household banners hung above the stage.

Students signed up to give musical performances at the event. They played music that spanned a variety of genres from Irish to country. Multiple students also performed songs that they had written themselves.

One of the highlights of the night was a performance by the Rev. Rufino Corona, TOR. Corona said the first song he played at Flannel Fest was actually the last song he played at Franciscan University of Steubenville as a student.

During the intermissions between acts, students told jokes and shared funny stories. The “Spicemaids of the Lord” performed a lip sync and dance to the Spice Girls’ song “Wannabe.”

In addition to the musical performances, the Handmaids sold baked goods, apple cider and hot chocolate. Bonfires were set up outside the J.C. so that students could make s’mores.

Junior Maryanne Macdonald said, “The whole atmosphere of Flannel Fest got me excited for fall. With the pumpkin baked goods and everyone in flannel, it is so great to see the campus so lively again.”

Junior Katie Sommers said, “Flannel Fest had good fall vibes with a diversity of talent and genres. My personal favorite was Fr. Rufino.”