the fourth annual CarnEvil party on Halloween night.
Sponsored by the Francis Marion University (FMU) Diplomats and the University
Programming Board (UPB), CarnEvil will take place Thursday, Oct. 31 in the Smith University
Center (UC) at 7 p.m.
The year’s theme, “FMU Horror Story: Asylum,” was inspired by the television series
“American Horror Story” and “The Walking Dead.” According to senior Patricia Helzer,
president of the Diplomats, “it’ll be more creepy than normal.”
“The most famous horror films that you can think of – they’ll be bits and pieces of each of
them,” Helzer said.
Sophomore Alexis Stokes, Diplomats’ public relations executive, said the organization hopes
to create an atmosphere that makes students feel as if they have entered their favorite horror film
and are surrounded by its characters.
“It’s like going to a party where you’re actually in the movie,” Stokes said. “Yes, it’s scary,
but it’ll be fun too.”
Stokes added that, by incorporating aspects of familiar movies and the popular television
series, the Diplomats are seeking to draw in an even larger crowd than the estimated 550 students
who attended last year.
Two activities, the haunted house and costume contest, will continue this year. However,
Helzer said the haunted house, which will be located at the back of the UC lobby, is being
revamped. “It’ll be creepy and scary; it’s probably going to catch students off guard a little bit,” Helzer
said.
A new and additional activity, cookie decorating, will also be available for students. The
activity is non-competitive and will allow students to decorate the dessert with different icings
and other toppings.
The UPB, under the council of Student Government Association (SGA), has assisted the
Diplomats in the production of CarnEvil by providing funds, prizes for the costume contest,
music entertainment and food.