(Photo provided by Marcelena Rau ’24)

Ferris wheels are perfect for Polaroids.

This past weekend was the St. Juliana Fall Festival. Even after leaving campus for the weekend, Royals eagerly returned to the Rosary and St. Juliana parking lots to enjoy fun rides, good food, and a great time. I went on Friday night because of the half day and had a really fun experience!

As a senior who only moved to California last year, this year was my first and, unfortunately, last time going to the festival. Melanie Kamel ‘24 has already gone to the festival several years in a row. She says, “While this is only my third year going to the St. Juliana Fall Festival, it’s such a blast every time I go. The rides generate so much adrenaline, the food is amazing, and the desserts are a favorite! I highly recommend going.”

Ava Fredman ’25 has attended the festival a couple more times than Melanie, but she still had a great time. Ava said, “My friends and I went to the Fall Festival this past weekend on Saturday. I had such a good time considering this is about my fifth year going. I especially enjoyed the new ride, which is like a smaller version of supreme scream at Knotts.”

The rides were definitely my favorite part of the night. While I did skip out on the Gravitron and the Zipper (sorry not sorry), my favorite rides quickly became the ferris wheel and the drop tower. My ferris wheel buddy, Sydney O’Blenes ‘24, says, “It was a magical start to the fall season being able to ride on the ferris wheel with my friends, laughing, and taking Polaroid pics!” We also went on the dragon ride in the kiddy area. I would highly recommend that ride for kids, but definitely not for anyone taller than four feet. 

The food at the multicultural booths hosted by St. Juliana volunteers was also a highlight of the festival. I got buttered noodles from the Italian booth—noodles and butter are pretty hard to mess up, but these were definitely some of the best I’ve ever had. Shelby Devoy ‘24 got eggrolls from the Filipino food stand and says, “The food was incredible. I’m seriously addicted to eggrolls.” 

Overall, the St. Juliana Fall Festival was a great time. If you were too busy to make it this year, I highly recommend going next year, it was so fun!