By Addison Pierce, Staff Writer
For many, Halloween is a time for fun, candy and scares. For the men of Flippin-Perrin, that is no different. With all the Halloween festivities happening over the last week of October, one that many students at OBU look forward to is the infamous Perrin Scarin’.
Perrin Scarin’ is an event hosted by the freshmen residing in Flippin-Perrin, specifically, a haunted house. Anyone at OBU is free to attend and walk through the dorm building in groups, being frequently jump-scared and spooked by ghosts, skeletons or even Joseph Smith.
Freshman attendee Lindsey Spurlin recounts her experience humorously. “[I felt] mostly just adrenaline. I was screaming and laughing the whole time, I thought seeing everyone’s reactions including my own was very funny,” Spurlin said. She also went on to comment on the decorations, and how well-planned she thought it looked. “The decorations were amazing and all the boys did a great job, anyone attending should expect a very immersive experience.” Spurlin said.
None of this would be possible, however, without the help and direction of the dorm RD, Johnny Webb. According to Webb, the managing of the event took more time than one might initially think. “Preparation for this event starts back in August when the freshman guys first get here, and we have our first ResHall meeting. I introduced the idea to the guys, told them what it’s about and tried to spark some excitement and participation out of them. Then, when October rolls around, we start having conversations about what each floor is doing and making sure that we’re all on the same page. Right before we break for fall break, I send out another email telling the guys some general rules and reminding them to bring back any decorations they have at home,” Webb said.
He later shared his personal favorite part of Perrin Scarin’. “My favorite part of this event is seeing and hearing people from all over campus get excited for this night. People from all over campus have either participated in or have walked through it from years before and I love to hear how each year differs from the other and their experience,” Webb said.
When it comes to the scare-factor, you can expect a variety of different things, so do not be dissuaded if you scare easily. “Attendees can expect to be scared of course, but also to share in a laugh with some of the guys who dress up as comedic characters. One year we had Nacho Libre, the Luchador, bouncing around the hallways, making people laugh. One year we had guys dressed up as nerds, doing a dance party in their room for people to watch. Another year, we had some guys pull up a campfire on their laptop and sit in their chairs and play campfire music. Every year is different, but that’s what’s great about Perrin Scarin, you never know what you’re gonna get,” Webb said.
Unfortunately for horror fans, every monster in the dorms are just freshmen in costumes. However, some would argue there are scarier things than monsters– homework, exams, or projects, for one. Regardless of what you think, you cannot deny how fun and even spooky Perrin Scarin’ can be. Although there has yet to be an appearance of a real ghost or ghoul, who is to say there will not be one next year? Until then, happy Halloween.
