USU Howl and LDSSA now working together
The Howl, Utah State’s annual Halloween party and commonly proclaimed “biggest party in Utah” gets even bigger this year. With a number of new additions, 2008’s event offers something for everyone, said Tyler Haws, ASUSU activities director. Many students are excited to attend the Howl.
“Heck yeah I’m going to the Howl,” said Ben Sampson, engineering student.
ASUSU and everyone involved with the Howl hopes most students share Sampson’s enthusiasm, and much effort is being done to make this year’s event nothing short of legendary, Haws said. One of the more noticeable additions to this year’s Howl is a haunted maze located in the Fieldhouse, he said. Students arriving will enter through the Fieldhouse and can choose whether to pass through the maze or skip straight to the party in the TSC. The maze’s layout is being designed by the Engineering Counsel, Haws said, one of many examples of club participation in this year’s Howl.
“One thing we’ve tried to do this year is be as inclusive as possible,” Haws said.
Inside the TSC, students will find traditional activities in the ballroom, refreshments and an improv troup in the Hub, USU’s Full Circle dance group, an area with a backdrop for taking pictures, costume contests and games sponsored by LDSSA in the basement hallway, Haws said.
“We’ve tried to cater to as many students as possible,” Haws said. “A lot of people like to watch scary movies, a lot want to dress up, others want to play games or dance.”
Bands playing at this year’s howl include the Rock Bandits, a Led Zeppelin cover band, playing at 9:45 p.m., Love You Long Time playing at 11:30 p.m. and another band still to be announced playing at 8:30 p.m., Haws said. Recycle Percussion, a “stomp style” percussion ensemble, will play two shows, one at 10:30 p.m. and the other at midnight.
If watching scary movies is how students like to spend their Halloween, or if they just need to rest their dancing legs, two films will be featured; “Hocus Pocus” starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, and Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” starring Jack Nicholson, Haws said.
“It’s just going to be a great time,” Haws said, “an amazing experience, something the students will remember.”
Michael Murray, activities vice president for LDSSA, said that this year’s Howl has a lot of options for students if they need a break from the dancing and music.
“This will be the first time I’ve ever gone to the Howl,” Murray said. “I am excited, it’s going to be a sweet experience.”
LDSSA, the group running games in the TSC basement, is playing a much more active role in helping run the Howl than previous years, Murray said. In the past, LDSSA has assisted with decorations and manning the doors, as well as sponsoring their own party, The Scream, which ended last year to promote unity with the school-sponsored activity.
“They are really wanting as many groups involved as they can,” Murray said. “We’re all one USU family.”
As to what types of games LDSSA would be running, Murray said that plans are still being finalized, but the goal is to have games where as many students can participate as possible. Murray also said LDSSA will try to create a good atmosphere for attendees.
Tickets for the Howl are $10 in advance for USU students with a limit of two and $15 at the door. Tickets for non-USU students in advance are $15 and $25 at the door. Costumes are encouraged but masks, props and “generally offensive dress” are not allowed, Haws said. Attendees of the Howl must be 18 years or older and present identification for both ticket purchase and entrance to the event. Police officers will be on hand to help with security and safety. The Howl will be held Oct. 31 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the TSC.
–b.c.wood@aggiemail.usu.edu