Winter Wonderland: Hawaiian style

By: Tricia Coor

Posted: 2/3/10

One might wonder why some students were sporting swimming trunks and lei necklaces Friday night while several inches of snow fell.
That is because they did not let snow and freezing temperatures outside dampen their fun at the Welcome Back Luau hosted by the University Activities Council Friday, Jan. 29 at the Sports Café in the Meyer Wellness and Sports Center.
"It's ironic," said sophomore Lindsey Townsend referring to having a luau while snow was falling outside. Townsend, who lives in Springfield, drove up for the event.
"It was a scary drive here, but it was worth it to see my friends," said Townsend.
The thick layer of snow did not seem to keep students away as many trudged through to get their chance of winning gift cards to Sonic, Subway, Pizza Hut, Applebee's and Olive Garden.
Hawaiian music and a Tiki hut and set the mood for students to enjoy finishing their first week of classes.
"This is the type of event people can come and just hang out," said UAC Campus Activities Chair junior Brad Aslin.
Students caught up with friends while enjoying mixed fruit and chips and salsa. However, students had to be on the look out as beach balls were being passed in the air and every now and then came down for a visit. Students also showed off their skills in a limbo contest.
"It's an obviously poppin' party," said freshman Katie Roush. "I really like the Hawaiian feel in the snow."
UAC wanted to utilize the luau theme while giving it a new twist for students to enjoy the new semester.
"We don't really use the pool [for any campus events] so this was a good way to involve it," said Aslin.
Students had the opportunity to go coin diving in the pool and receive prizes. The highlight of the pool activities though was the belly-flop contest. Sophomore Parker Bohm clinched the first place with his creative takes on the belly-flop and delivered a solid performance. At the end of the night, students were greeted with more snow; however, they went home after enjoying just a little piece of paradise.
"Where else can you get a luau in January?" said Aslin.