The moment we have all been waiting for is finally here. The 2009 Autumn Leaf Festival is about to begin and you can feel the excitement in the air around campus. Although ALF is a celebration of the whole community, Clarion University students play a major role in planning and organizing the festivities.

ALF is a huge celebration in Clarion because is it the major event that happens in this small community. Since it is such an important event for the town, it is reasonable that the University would want a part in helping make it even more memorable. The UAB has taken the rains on organizing the University’s part in ALF and wants to make it memorable for not only the town, but the students.

“UAB’s job is to act as the middle man between the community and the university. We want to inform the students on what the community is planning and what we plan to do with our part,” says Chris Myers, the UAB Technology Coordinator. “Our job is to bridge that gap to let the two work as one.”

It is understandable that the University would want to add to the celebration on ALF by having our homecoming the same week. The festivities of ALF will incorporate the traditional homecoming events, including, homecoming court voting, the pep rally, and the parade. This gives every student an opportunity to become involved in the festivities, including dorm room decorations. Michael Gormley, the UAB special events committee chair, is hoping that events like this will help students get together, meet new people, and help the university.

“I am so excited for the freshmen,” says Myers. “To hear about how fun ALF is from other students is not the same as experiencing it. The events we have planned will allow them to enjoy it and want to get involved in other activities.”

The ALF festivities will begin September 27. It is the perfect opportunity to come out of the dorm and experience Clarion. As Michael Gormley said, “It is the time to enjoy the community and take a look at the area around you.”