Honors planned another show-stopping event, where students relieved stress and reconnected with nature and their friends by going to a picnic in Central Park. I asked Honors Advisory Board Event Planner Shania Foy, a junior Honors student, who helped plan this exciting day, what exactly the event was about and what went into planning it!
Q: Describe the event!
A: The event is a picnic at Central Park. We will meet in front of One Pace Plaza at 12 p.m. and escort the group there. The group will pick a nice spot in the park, and we will be serving picnic food such as sandwiches, cookies, and refreshments. Card games and physical activity games will be provided for attendees to partake in. These include Uno, Code Names, Cards Against Humanity, Frisbee, soccer, and jump rope. It’s a laid-back event with no strict itinerary, people can explore the park if they wish or stay close to the main group. Music will be playing throughout the event; we will pack up at 4 p.m. but people can leave earlier or stay later if they choose. It’s an event that provides the opportunity for Pace Honors Students to have a fun day in the park! Students can also bring their own activities as well.
Q: What is served for lunch and where did you get it from?
A: So, a couple of food choices will be offered during this event, starting with fruit. We are passing out watermelon, grapes, strawberries, and raspberries. We also are providing two sandwich choices, ham and cheese,” and “turkey and cheese. For desserts, we will have Chip Ahoy Cookies, Oreos, and biscuits. Beverages are water bottles and Capri Suns. This is all being bought in the local grocery store near Pace University and Seaport, called “Key Food.”
Q: What inspired this event?
A: The idea for this event was inspired by Tik Toks in which people were having picnics with friends or significant others during the past summer season. Annie Driscoll, a sophomore Honors student, who is on the Events Team, pitched the idea of a picnic but the vision of the event itself came from Tik Tok videos. When brainstorming for an event in general, one of our goals was to offer something for commuter students, which is why this event is being hosted on a Friday. Although there was a conversation for it to be held on a Saturday and Sunday, this could not occur because of scheduling issues. Hopefully, if this event is well received, next Spring we will host it on a weekend.
Q: How was this event planned? Who helped plan it?
A: The Events Team is split into three smaller teams which are each tasked with three events during the semester. So, at the end of the fall semester, Events was pitching general ideas for the spring and that is when Annie pitched the idea for Honors to host a picnic. When the spring semester started, Annie, Vanessa Sanchez, Angelica Gifoli, and I were put on the team responsible for the picnic event That is when Tik Tok videos were discussed amongst the team on what the vibe was for the event, along with conversations on what park this event would be taking place in, such as Battery Park, Central Park, or Governors Island. In the end, Central Park won based on the space that would be available along with the costs that would need to be covered. A grocery list was made by the team, activity items were ordered by the head of Events, Saloni Shah, the music playlist was created, and the day before the event Annie, Saloni, and I are going to be picking up the food options from the grocery store.
Q: Why should students go to events like this?
A: Students should attend the event because this gives them the opportunity to connect with nature in the city and do some activities that you usually aren’t able to do. Such as playing a soccer match, playing frisbee, and jump roping. There will also be music playing, for those who stay close and want to play some card games with their friends or the overall group. This event also gives the opportunity for some good photos since it’s supposed to be warm that day. So getting some photos for memories or social media sake by yourself or with friends, is also a good reason to attend.
Q: What is your favorite part of the event plan?
A: My favorite part of the event plan is going to be the distribution of food and activities to everyone and being able to enjoy the scenery since it is supposed to be a nice day out. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves while also being able to relax will be an enjoyable experience for me.
According to Omari Brockington, a freshman Pace student who attended the event, the picnic was a huge success. He says: “The Honors picnic was a relaxing and laid-back event. We enjoyed the lovely spring weather on the east side of Central Park on 86th Street. Laying in the sun. Going back and forth on the swings. Playing soccer, frisbee, and cards.”
Omari even says that the picnic made him reminisce, saying that “it reminded me of the good ol’ summer camp days. Then once it got too hot my friends and I got popsicles. I, in particular, got Batman. We were provided with great food and drinks. Best of all, travel was paid for. It was an amazing experience and allowed me to meet more people in the honors community. Next time, can we go to the beach? :)”
