When Carina Smith walked back to East Halls after her classes Friday afternoon, she did not expect to encounter the vibrant outdoor scene that greeted her and hundreds of other freshmen.

"I just walked up to it ... it's really nice, and everybody's together." Smith (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said. "I would really like to see more events like this."

Fall Fest, sponsored by the East Halls Residence Association (EHRA) and the Association of Residence Hall Students (ARHS), took place at the East Halls quad from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday.

The festival offered students living in East Halls a chance to meet others in the area, as well as participate in activities including a giant inflatable twister game, a tie-dying booth, an inflatable jousting game, pumpkin decorating and palm reading.

EHRA's main goal in sponsoring the event was to encourage involvement and to heighten the sense of the East Halls community, EHRA President Jen Crawford said.

"The festival truly brings the kids together," EHRA Executive Vice President Jameela Truman said. "And there are many more fun events planned for the year, including Casino Night, Winter and Spring Fest, and a Valentine's Day Date Auction to raise money for [the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon]."

A theme of unity and enjoyment, as well as a bit of competition, was evident as students painted sequined pumpkins, ate free pizza and cotton candy, and engaged in some friendly combat in the jousting ring.

Jousting champion Seth Davis (freshman-industrial engineering) said the secret to his winning strategy was an "all-out blitz," while his opponent, Adam Loux (freshman-division of undergraduate studies), said his strategic method involved simply trying to "curl up into a ball."

Adam Kobialka (freshman-premedicine) took home first place for a pie-eating contest, but was not impressed by his competition.

"I stuffed as much pie in my face as possible, and I took down two Army guys ... They weren't all that they could be," he said.

As Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back" and other popular tunes blared from the disc jockey's speakers, a large crowd gathered around an enormous rock wall while harnessed students attempted to conquer the vertical terrain.

After his descent from reaching the top, Kevin Robinson (freshman-premedicine), an experienced climber, compared his first rock climb to his experience so far at Penn State.

"It was both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time, but as I progressed, I got more confident and comfortable," he said.

Most students said that although it has been a challenge to adjust to a new lifestyle here at Penn State, they are optimistic about what the future may hold.

"I'm taking it one day at a time," said Kevin Nelson (freshman-liberal arts). "It's about being able to manage your time between school and chillin' out."

After waiting in line to have her fortune told, Yazmin Reyes-Rodriguez (freshman-advertising/public relations) learned that she needed to manage her time when a palm reader said she sensed stress played a major role in Reyes- Rodriguez's life, especially with taking 18 credits this semester.

However, Reyes-Rodriguez said her own prediction was a little different.

"I know that my future at Penn State is going to be great," she said. "I've only been here a month and a half and I love it. I love the people, and I will make the most of it for all four years."