Their presence was intimidating. The “Blue Crew” stormed the bleachers—cheering Buccaneers dressed in Blair blue and face paint, filling benches and ready for the epic matchup. Their support was paramount to securing not one, but two shutouts at Soccerfest. In the end, Blair’s varsity soccer teams defeated Delaware Valley, with the boys’ team winning 2-0, and the girls winning 2-0.

It was the capstone event to a legendary lineup of Community Weekend activities over the past two weeks, designed to build camaraderie across the hilltop and celebrate the beginning of a new academic year. The weather was perfect for students, faculty and families to come together for face painting on the Hardwick Quad before rallying behind the players on Hampshire Field under the lights. The tradition of Soccerfest is a great opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds—some at Blair for the first time—to unite and form bonds around a common goal.

“Our first two weekends here at Blair are designed to transition students from home and their previous school to the Blair community and have it be as fun, informative and creative as possible,” said Associate Dean of Students Rod Gerdsen.

While Soccerfest was a highlight of the second weekend, a host of other trips and activities kept students engaged through Sunday. When the games let out, a Spikeball tournament ensued on the turf with fun, food and spirit. More than 150 students gathered early Sunday morning to spend the day in New York City for The Feast of San Gennaro, an annual Community Weekend trip that has occurred for nearly two decades. Other students enjoyed the beautiful fall weather we are experiencing in and around Blairstown, with apple picking and fishing trips in the great outdoors. No matter the event, the last two Community Weekends have celebrated community, togetherness and the strong relationships that are at the heart of the Blair experience.

Be sure to scroll through the photos below, capturing some of the highlights of Soccerfest at Blair, taken by Director of School Photography Tyson Trish, and The Feast of San Gennaro trip.