Everybody could explore the magical world of Harry Potter

The Student Activities office hosted their Open House and Costume Contest on Oct. 31. This year’s theme was Harry Potter though students, staff and faculty could wear any costume they desired.

Wendy Baumann, the Administrative Assistant in the Student Activities office, described the event and why students should partake in the fun.

Not only was there food, a photo booth and prizes for the best costumes, but students were encouraged to follow the Harry Potter-themed map and footprints to the various offices located in the Memorial Union to be rewarded with prizes and learn more about the programs.

The sorting hat could be found in the Multicultural office sorting everyone into their designated houses while Hedwig, Harry’s faithful companion, could be found in another office.

Trivia questions could be answered in the Card Center and those who answered correctly received prizes.

To go along with the theme, Butterbeer was served courtesy of the dining center.

“Last year we had two organizations partner with us,” Baumann said. This year, the Multi-Cultural Programs, Campus Attractions and Student Government were among eight other programs on board with the celebration.

The costume contest was broken into three categories with one winner in each. The best individual costume let students and faculty show off their unique costumes, the dynamic duo costume called for all duos to show off their creativity and the best group costume had to be made up of three or more people with their costumes coordinated well.

Costumes were judged off of the pictures taken and winners were announced later in the day.

The bookstore pitched in by giving winners of the costume contest a $25 gift card.

The pictures taken of contestants in the Harry Potter-themed photo backdrop were also posted on social media.

Baumann also reflected on her personal favorite costumes last year. One memorable costume was hand made by a student. Baumann recalled how the student had made his armor for his knight costume from soda tabs saying, “It was a work of art.”

Another duo Baumann clearly remembered was two people who dressed as a cow and a chicken. In the picture, someone dressed as a farmer joined the pair and the three ended up winning the best group costume.

Baumann said that the person dressed up as a farmer actually didn’t know the other two, but together they formed a great team.

Some other group costumes Baumann saw people dressed as were dominos, T.V. characters and other catchy themes.

Everybody in attendance could also enter to win a mystery prize from the dining center whether they wore a costume or not.

As this was a fun-filled time while informing students of the purpose of the Student Activities office, Baumann explained that it is only one event they host that highlights their office.

Baumann encourages all students to check out the Student Activities office along with the other offices in the Memorial Union.