This past weekend, students across all class years, sports teams and student organizations came together to celebrate the annual October tradition that is Halloweekend. Though a few spooky accounts are always inevitable, it seems spirits were generally high this year. I, at least, didn’t hear of any horror stories!
Despite the poor weather, energy on campus remained vivacious. Events included Commons’ Friday-night bash, Tent Party, Post-Tent Party OC and Saturday Ticker. They were all reportedly packed to the brim, with several theme house venues having to turn students away at risk of reaching over-occupancy. As a plus, costumes were largely colorful, creative and committed. I didn’t see a single soul out without some sort of festive façade, which always helps in making things feel lively.
To start, Friday night was defined by a surprisingly animated soirée hosted by Commons College. Though the theme house has not traditionally been a peak Halloweekend attraction, after this year it seems likely that they’ll be throwing at this time again next year. With an amped aux, large dance space and multiple floors for student congregation, it was a natural fit for a melting-pot party like a Halloween mixer. I’d only hope that if Halloween Commons continues on, they’ll let in more upperclassmen in the future. I’m not sure what kind of spell the first-years cast to get in, but they were certainly the dominant demographic when I arrived, and only seemed to have multiplied by the time I left.
Boasting the promising combination of live music–performed by student band Frog Policy, DJ DefSam and DJ Zuki & Bunga–and free snacks, Tent Party was a natural highlight of the weekend. The success of the event can be largely attributed to the energetic buzz of student oversight from Outing Club house members, which could be spotted bumbling around in varying hues of black-and-yellow. However, the aspirational attitudes of the general student body to have a good time were arguably of equal importance. Considering that the function serves as an important precursor to later activities for a large number of students, it is definitely a positive that Tent Party was well-executed this year.
Those still feeling enthused after Tent Party petered off to other locations including the OC and the Ticker. While I personally ventured back to my bed, I heard that both parties offered similarly exciting environments filled, again, with more treats than tricks.
Don’t just take reviews from me, though. Instead, enjoy this candid array of Halloweekend opinions gathered from the chatty students found studying on the third floor of the Student Center:
“I had a lot of fun and I think that Tent Party was really good this year.”
“I think Halloweekend is awesome and I have so much fun [every year] for one-to-two nights maximum. Three nights in costume starts to give me anxiety.”
“I was sober and cold.”
“Let’s just say my face still burns.”
“Tent Party was pretty good, I enjoyed it!”
“My next-door neighbor threw up outside my door.”
“[I thought] it was lively, and everybody was in costume having fun.”