On Friday, Sept. 12, the Dell transformed into a glowing outdoor theater, buzzing with students bundled in blankets and perched on lawn chairs, ready for a night of comfort. Hosted by the Office of Student Activities (OSA), the event was free and open to all Elizabethtown College students and their guests. The movie of the night? Tim Burton’s whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The evening began just after sunset as students staked out spots across the grass. Fireplace stations were set up around the area, providing warmth and a flickering glow that added to the cozy, mid-September atmosphere. The setting quickly became a mix of laughter, chatter and anticipation as OSA volunteers put finishing touches on a candy bar that rivaled Willy Wonka’s factory itself.
The candy bar included all kinds of treats with a unique surprise: Oreo s’mores. Students lined up eagerly for treats, many returning for seconds or to grab something new.
“The attendees were so happy about all the options,” said OSA staff member Sofia Brzezicki, a junior occupational therapy major. “We wanted to make sure everyone had something they liked, and the reactions showed we hit the mark.”
The sweetness didn’t stop there. For many students, the candy was not just a snack; it was an invitation to connect with friends, relax and savor a carefree night in the midst of a busy semester.
For event organizer Lauren Lockwood, a senior psychology and criminal justice major working for OSA, the night was especially rewarding. “We had way more people show up than we expected, making this a huge success,” she said.
Lockwood expressed how she was surprised by just how many people embraced the opportunity. “It was great to see The Dell so full,” she added.
This year’s movie night also introduced a new way of tracking attendance. In the past, students had to scan a QR code to check in. Now, with a tap of their ID cards, students can sign in instantly.
According to Brzezicki, the change has been a game-changer. “It’s helped us collect better statistics, like how many students came and what year they’re in. That helps us plan future events and understand who we’re reaching.”
The system also allows OSA to better balance their offerings between events that appeal to first-year students and those that upperclassmen might prefer.
Students across majors and class years turned out, eager to enjoy the evening. Some came with big groups of friends, while others arrived in pairs or trios. The movie’s playful energy and the cozy setup gave everyone something to enjoy.
Mildred Nwachukwu-Innocent, a senior computer science majo, summed up the mood of the night: “I had a great time hanging out with my friends and eating candy while watching a movie together.”
Her words echoed the feeling across the crowd, relief, connection, and fun. The focus was on laughter, sugar and Tim Burton’s quirky take on Roald Dahl’s classic story.
While the screening of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was the official centerpiece, the real star of the night was the Etown community. As blankets were shared and marshmallows toasted, students found an opportunity to unwind and make memories.
For OSA, that is exactly the goal. Events like this are about more than entertainment, they are about giving students a space to be together outside the classroom.
As the credits rolled and the firelight began to dim, many students lingered, not quite ready to leave the cozy bubble that had been created in The Dell. It was proof that sometimes, the simplest events can have the greatest impact.
