Phi Delta Theta Brotherhood at UVA Hosts Fall Festival in Support of Habitat for Humanity
While other students at UVA spent their Saturday enjoying college football or imbibing at a day party, the brotherhood of Phi Delta Theta took the opportunity to host its annual philanthropic event, Fall Phest. For $5, admitted guests enjoyed painting and carving pumpkins, jumping in a bounce house, and listening to the high treble sound of the fraternity band, Weekends and Wednesdays. Philanthropy chair Cyrus Rody-Ramazani served homemade cider and thanked guests for their attendance, preserving the warm feelings of fall even after the sun went down.
Around noon on Saturday, Oct. 22, the brothers kicked on the air pump and watched as the colorful bounce house sprang to life. Handmade banners stretched from tree to tree in the front yard of the fraternity’s house on Grady Avenue, creating a carnival arena for the festival activities. The band set their audio equipment onto a make-shift wooden stage and prepared for the next four hours of continuous jamming. Duraan Miskinyar, an executive office holder in Phi Delt, hustled a box of adorable pumpkins to a nearby table, spreading bottles of acrylic paint on its surface . According to Ramazani, “It takes the effort of everyone to make this event successful.”
As guests arrived, the venue became animated with conversation, laughter, and an ensemble of autumn colors. Once the crowd settled, Weekends and Wednesdays kicked the energy into high gear with their cover of The Strokes’ song “Reptilia.” The band gained recent notoriety from their performances at venues on The Corner and used their reputation to attract an audience for the festival. Jack Emerson, lead guitarist and founder, viewed the festival as the perfect time to “show off the wholesome side of our group.” He said “the events where we make no money are as important as the events where we do.”
As the energy wound down on Grady Avenue, Fall Phest proved to be an enjoyable alternative to the weekend itinerary of the average UVA student. Through the festival alone, managed to raise over $1200 for the Charlottesville Habitat for Humanity. Ramazani continues to accept donations from friends and family, hoping to bring in at least another $1000.
