Fluff and Other Stuff

Finished product from Stuff-A-Plush. Photo Credit / Crystal Smith
Finished product from Stuff-A-Plush. Photo Credit / Crystal Smith
Finished product from Stuff-A-Plush.
Photo Credit / Crystal Smith

By Amy Lukac
SC Staff Writer

On Saturday, September 27, ESU invited students and their families to Stuff-A-Plush at the Warrior Fan Zone, located in front of Zimbar. The activity required participants to fill their own stuffed animals and was back by popular demand.

“This event has had a great turn out in the past. Last year, we sold out within minutes of opening the event, so this year we ordered 100 extra supplies in anticipation for a huge crowd. We have had about 250 people and counting so far,” said Dan Pagan, a senior on the Campus Activity Board.

Those who desired a new stuffed friend stood in line and were given a ticket. Though the line was long, there was entertainment abound including an acoustic guitarist performing off to the side.

When it was time for everyone to pick a pet, there was a table set up at the front of the stuffing stations with two volunteers. Participants picked between moose, ducks, koala bears, brown bears, and pandas. All animals were $10 each or free with an ESU I.D.

As soon as the animals were paid for, there were four tables with bins of stuffing for participants to bring their animals to life. People of all ages stood at each stuffing station to make sure the arms and legs of their new snuggle buddies were fully stuffed.

When the animals were filled to satisfaction, participants used a zipper on the back to seal up their pleasantly plump companions.

The stuffed animals were then adorned with t-shirts sporting the ESU logo. Kristy Yenchik, a cousin of an ESU student, said, “I thought this was a really good idea, especially on Family Weekend. I think because it was held on this day, it brought in more people than it would have if it were held on any other day.”

According to Christopher Bello, Assistant Director of the Student Activity Association, the final bear count was 300.

“It is a very popular event and will hopefully be back next year,” said Bello. Next year, CAB will vote on whether to bring back Stuff-A-Plush.

Email Amy:
alukac@live.esu.edu