Final Not-So-Greek goes with a bang
The Not-So-Greek Formal began five years ago when a couple of guys living on West Montgomery Street decided they wanted to throw a nonexclusive get together for everyone – whether affiliated with Greek organizations on campus or not. Back then in 2003, about 150 people showed up for the event. This past weekend, on Jan. 12, for the Fifth Annual Not-So-Greek Formal over 450 people came out. The same white house has been used for all five formals.
“The party gives folks an excuse to dress up, go out to eat if they want, and to come dance with their friends. People can just come out without the whole craziness of other parties,” says Benji Lavender, a senior at GCSU that has been part of planning the event for years.
At the house party there were finger foods outside under a tent, lights adorning the front porch, and plenty of dancing room inside. Along with Lavender, many of the other residents of the house spend a lot of time cleaning out the entire bottom floor for the party. Once it is all cleared there were sheets hung from the ceiling, special lighting set up and sound systems were rented. A lot of preparation and time is spent every year getting ready for the big night.
“It is definitely a group effort,” Lavender said.
Many GCSU students have made a point of attending the Not-So-Greek Formal every year. Along with these there have been many new faces as well, some traveling from other schools. One of the main reasons for the formal is to welcome everyone.
“It was a neat experience getting together with so many people from the school at a non-school related event. It was really organized and had a great atmosphere,” Alix Erola-Rebellato, a freshman in the Honors program at GCSU, said.
One of the reasons the Not-So-Greek Formal differentiates from other house parties is that there is no alcohol involved. The residents of the house responsible for managing the event had the intent for it to be all about having fun.
“The party is all about fellowship. It’s an excuse for people to get together and some have fun,” says Lavender.
However, even with the increasing popularity of the event, this year might have been the last infamous Not-So-Greek Formal. Lavender explains that all the residents are moving out after they graduate in May, and unless new residents continue the tradition that may be the last formal. Since so many have enjoyed it every year, many are hopeful the tradition will live on.
“The Not-So-Greek Formal was a great experience this year. Just like every year, there was a great turnout of new faces. Every year has gotten better and better,” said Jen Keeton, a Rhetoric Major at GCSU that has attended the formal in the past.
Overall, the event has become a staple in the winter events calendar for GCSU students. There is no doubt the Not-So-Greek Formal is great fun for all in attendance.
As Lavender explained, part of what makes the party so great is the character of the attendees. The enthusiasm of the guests is what keeps the party so alive. Hopefully, the future tradition of the Not-So-Greek Formal will continue. If not, then the Fifth Annual Not-So-Greek Formal will be remembered as the last infamous tradition for the white house on West Montgomery Street.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Jan 18 2008. Filed under Features.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
