The warmth of the fire, the smell of the barbeque and the flames of fire lighting up the night sky: after 22 years, a bonfire event finally returned to EHS on Oct. 23.

Student Council began planning a bonfire in June to go along with homecoming week. Due to weather the event took place three weeks later. The postponing of the event didn’t stop students from having a good time.

“I’m so glad the bonfire got to happen, I’ve been looking forward to it since it was first announced,” junior Josie Arnett said.

With the help of the Edwardsville Fire Department and Police Department, the school was able to pull off the perfect fall event for students to relax with friends on a picture perfect night.

“It’s something different from the normal activities and I think that it’s really great,” sophomore Sadie Starwalt-Cook said.

Students who attended the fall festivities roasted s’mores, played lawn games with friends and relaxed by the bonfire. Nearly 250 students enjoyed the bonfire, Student Council President Katie Frick said.

Aside from relaxing by the fire, classic lawn games like bags, horseshoes, washers and ladder ball toss were a big hit among students.

“I’m having a lot of fun, especially playing the lawn games,” freshman Stephen Stewart said.

With the success of this bonfire, Student Council is already thinking about next year. “We are extremely excited and thankful that this tradition has been brought back and we are already making plans to continue next year,” Frick said.

Students hope to see the return of this event too. “I think that we should continue doing it so it will catch on for years to come,” Starwalt-Cook said.

In addition to the bonfire and the lawn games, Student Council also ran a concession stand with barbequed hot dogs, and the German club also sold brats. A slide show of pictures from homecoming week and music also played for students to enjoy.

“This bonfire was fantastic, a great time, great people, and a great event,” freshman Joe Paolucci said, “Student Council did a great job.”