eekend
low to Float
hrough Homecoming
By Scott Bradford
Sports Editor
Fast becoming a tradition on Homecoming
Saturday, the ritual of the floating bar is
quickly becoming an important social event
for some Homecoming partyers. Begun two
years ago by a small contingent of "floaters",
the idea has grown to encompass a reported
three routes, including the Third Annual
Floating Bar, with which this reporter travel
ed.
Consisting of five stops before, during and
after the football game, the bar made max
imum use of the school's facilities by having
two stops in the Frazier complex and one each
in three different dorms: Binford, Bryan and
Milner. As the party progressed from stop to
stop, the participants were treated to a dif
ferent beverage intended both to highten
already uplifted spirits and appease even the
most discriminating palates.
It is unclear what the original rational was
for holding a party which continuously shifted
location and never remained in one place for
longer than an hour, but several conjectures
can be attempted. It is possible that the
reason for these tactics is to keep the party
one step ahead of any authority which might
like to place some type of restriction on the
temporary insanity which students are prone
to during Homecoming weekend. Par
ticipants, especially those who host each stop
along the route, may also desire this format in
order to minimize the amount of destruction
which occasionally occurs when people in this
frame of mind gather. Most likely, though, it
is solely for the fun of doing something dif
ferent.
One clear advantage of a floating bar is the
wide variety of entertainment to be found at
the various locales. The first stop, at which a
motley crew arrived wearing bath robes and
loafers or heavy boots to begin the festivities,
offered the Alumni vs. Varsity lacrosse game
in their backyard. Thus, any floater suffering
from strained vocal cords while cheering on
either team simply had to traverse a mere ten
yards to soothe their throats with an ice cold
social lubricant.
It m
Photo by Fawn Alcaide
o a
Homecoming 'B2 - The question is, "What made this weekend better
than any other weekend?" A great many of the 35 people interviewed
responded. "The floating bar!" This non-scheduled event was begun
in 1980 by a group of students looking for even more variety than
Guilford's traditional Homecoming offered. Other typical answers to
this question included, "winning the football game," "the excellent
weather," "the good band and dance" and "the good food and outdoor
eating area."
One scheduled event in particular earned the favor of some students
- The Pig-Pickin' Picnic. This dinner was abetted by a jazz band
which, according to many similar responses - amused parents, alumni
and students alike. "I had worked up such an appetite from all the
other Homecoming events that the pig pickin' was a welcomed and
well-appreciated activity. I also liked the long table set up enabling us
to meet new people while also enjoying live music and open air." -
Suzy Churchwell.
Other replies about the weekend gala included some constructive
criticism. When asked about the jello eating contest most students
responded that they had missed it due to lack of publicity. Others, who
did see it, wished it had lasted longer and suggested that the messy
(more substantial) pies be reinstituted and that the event be better
organized and explained next year.
Bf . ip s w 'p "
pyißßwimi Sijij |"
The event reached its peak as the bar
floated back from the football game to Bryan
to celebrate a 13-0 halftime lead and curb
quickly mounting thirsts neglected since the
beginning of the game. As the suite rapidly
filled with boisterous and fun-loving people, it
seemed that every participant had brought
along a guest floater ; this was even more evi
dent as the supply of drink was depleted in no
time at all, and most enthusiastically
departed for the second half.
However, this had no effect on several of
the partyers as they remained to dance like
crazed banshees wherever they could find a
free space, including on the beds. Many of
these participants, lost in the merriment,
never made it back to the game and didn't
catch up to the rest of the crowd until the
wildness moved on to Milner.
As day turned to night and the floating bar
reached its final destination at the Lodge, it
was obvious that the party in general had
achieved its goal. It had entertained and
unified students in the true spirit of
Homecoming - festive participation. Maybe
next year the participants will even be able to
come up with a logical reason for the event;
but then again, isn't Homecoming enough?
Party Alumni
Features In-Depth
Action and Reaction
By Jan Earl
Guilford Alumni Board
The beer and cokes flowed; the
people talked, laughed and danc
ed; the DJ was great as long as
he played his music; the smiles of
renewed friendships were
every where... A typical Young
Alumni Homecoming Party!
Several hundred of Guilford's
Young Alumni came out to see
their friends who had made it out
of Guilford before them and to en
joy the refreshments and music.
Several faculty and staff
members came to support the
Young Alumni event and to visit
with some of their former
students. (One faculty member
remarked that the party was the
one place he was sure to find his
elusive former students.)
Reggie Kenau '77 and his hard
working committee did a fine job
and their rewards were the bright
faces of everyone there and the
great stories that have circulated
Style
"WhatAvould you like to see in next year's Homecoming?" The con
sensus focused on renovations in dance procedures. Almost everyone
would prefer that the dance be held in Bryan Quad instead of Stern
berger Auditorium to avoid hot, cramped surroundings and further
unify students in an open, unrestricted area. More ideas were:
Lou Protonentis (alumnus) "Don't have the dance semi-formal;
after partying all day students don't want to dress up." Helene Muiler
added, "Publicize the events better. If more students knew about the
events, such as the jello eating contest, more people would show up."
Lauren Wood suggested, "...more events on Friday, maybe a concert
between Bryan and Milner." Lorie Bragg believes we could, "...build
school spirit with a bon-fire/pep rally. Students can learn some cheers
and become more involved during the game." Barbara Johnston says,
"Have Homecoming on the last home game instead of the second
home game. That way more people (including the team itself) would
be more interested in the game." John Chipmen conceded, "You got
me!" Kelly Wise thinks Guilford should, "Have some sort of parade
during half time giving a prize to the student with the best decorated
car." Joe Manson (alumni) feels that the sports events could be better
planned; scheduling soccer and football games at the same time is
hindering full participation.
All in all, Homecoming seemed to effectively serve all involved.
Maybe with these suggestions given by students and alumni, next
year's Homecoming will be even more fun for everyone.
since the party. Why, even
patriotism ran high (at least
that's what we will assume) as
evidenced by the disappearance
of the American flag that had
been hanging in the Banquet
room and now probably hangs
proudly in some Guilfordian's
room or home. It was obvious
that everyone had fun.
Yes, the Third Annual Young
Alumni Homecoming Party was
a success in the minds of the
Guilford students, graduate
students, lawyers, bankers,
7-Eleven cashiers, house
restorers, "liquor runners,"
librarians, and unemployed who
attended. Our fourth festive reu
nion is already being scheduled
on the calendars of those same
men and women who have gone
back to their desks and offices
and trucks and are now collecting
the experiences they'll share with
their friends over a few beers at
the Hilton next year.
7