Wood crackled and sparks flew as students gathered for Doane’s annual homecoming bonfire on Oct. 15. The event kicked off at 9 p.m., with temperatures at a brisk 42 degrees Fahrenheit, dropping to 38 degrees before the night was through. The towering flames lit up the Tuxedo Park Raceway, casting a warm glow over the crowd of students who huddled near the heat. Hot chocolate and s’mores were offered to everyone, with an extra treat for the first fifty attendees—free gloves to fend off the evening chill.
Despite the cool air, the bonfire’s heat was intense. Students, eager to roast their marshmallows, got creative with ways to shield their faces from the flames while trying to achieve the perfect char. Their cautiousness was well-placed; just twelve minutes into the event, the bonfire collapse inward, sending the flames roaring toward nearby blankets. Fortunately, nothing caught fire and no panic ensued, likely thanks to the Crete Fire Department, whose volunteer firefighters, many of them current or former Doane students, were on hand to ensure everything stayed under control. It was an opportunity for them to reconnect with friends while keeping a watchful eye on the event.
In addition to the fire, the evening featured games and music. Students could take a break from the bonfire’s heat with glow-in-the-dark balls and light-up cornholes. But the real draw was the camaraderie around the fire. The majority of students spent their time chatting with friends, dancing with their partners, and soaking in the night’s festivities.
