by Ella Brown
I don’t know about you, but I’m already counting down the days until fall break.
OBU’s Fall Free Days run Oct. 15-18, giving students their first break of the semester. Some may travel home, but those staying in Shawnee will still have plenty of ways to enjoy the long weekend.
Cheer on the Bison
Students won’t have to travel far to start the break with OBU athletics.
The Bison volleyball team will face Henderson State University at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Noble Complex. The team returns at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, to play Ouachita Baptist University for Parent Appreciation Night.
OBU football will host East Central University at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at Crain Family Stadium at the Hurt Complex. The game will also serve as Shawnee Community Night.
Admission to OBU home athletic events is free for students with a valid university ID, so grab some friends, wear green and cheer on the Bison.
Explore Downtown Shawnee
Students interested in motorcycles, hot rods or downtown Shawnee can visit Bikes and Rods of Shawnee from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 15 on historic Bell Street.
The free, family-friendly event will feature motorcycles, classic cars, vendors, giveaways, music and charity fundraising. It also gives visitors a chance to explore downtown businesses.
Shop for Local Food
A farmers market can make a simple, inexpensive fall outing.
Crow’s Farm Market, 47910 State Highway 3, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It offers seasonal produce and other locally sourced goods. Browsing is free, although it may be difficult to leave without buying something fresh from the farm.
The Shawnee Farmers’ Market will also be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6 W. MacArthur St. Local vendors sell items they have grown or made, giving students another way to spend time outside and support area producers.
Bring a few friends, browse the booths and choose ingredients for a fall meal or snack.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
For the full fall experience, Sunshine Shelly’s Pumpkin Patch offers pumpkins, a corn maze and other outdoor activities at 7110 N. Harrison St.
During fall break, the patch will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for visitors ages 2 and older.
Admission includes a hayride, corn maze, corn pits, giant slides and a barrel train ride. Pumpkins are sold separately for 40 cents per pound, and visitors can pick their own from the field.
Students could take the experience home by choosing pumpkins and hosting a pumpkin-painting night with friends.
Whether you prefer Bison athletics, classic vehicles, local food or pumpkin patches, there is no need to leave Shawnee to enjoy the break. Invite some friends, try something new and take time to rest before the final stretch of the semester.
Finish these next few weeks strong — fall break is almost here!
