Halloween night parties gives students choices
Would you rather howl or scream?
It’s a monster of a decision.
Both Halloween bashes, Utah State University’s Howl and the Latter-day Saint Student Association’s “Scream” are held Halloween night.
Students’ decisions apparently are depending on price, activities or crowd.
It is the 25th anniversary for the Howl and ASUSU is planning it to be the biggest and best party yet.
“It’s a big party,” ASUSU administrative assistant Nick Robbins said, who has been planning for the event for weeks.
There are 6,500 ticket’s available for the big event and it’s sold out every year.
A lot of people come just to see the costumes, Robbins said.
Many come from various schools in Utah, but some also come from Idaho, Arizona and California. Universities advertise the Howl in their newspapers and on their activities Web sites, Robbins said.
“It is just as popular now as when it first started,” Robbins said.
This year’s party will include a hypnotist; a comedy improv, Laughing Stock; local bands including, Anesty and Nobody’s Special; dancing and food.
The Fieldhouse will turn into a big dance club with black lights, glow sticks and bands.
It starts at 8 p.m. and runs until 1:30 a.m. in the Taggart Student Center and Fieldhouse.
Tickets are $10 for students or $15 for non-USU students, but with two cans of food the tickets are $2 less. Students can buy their tickets in the TSC Ticket Office.
“It’s the only activity [sponsored by ASUSU and STAB] that costs money,” Robbins said. “But 100 percent of it’s recycled back into other student activities.”
Robbins doesn’t feel there is a competition between the Howl and the Scream.
“Those who go to the Howl wouldn’t want to go to the Scream,” he said. “And those who go to the Scream wouldn’t want to go to the Howl.”
But Robbins said everyone needs to experience the Howl once.
Junior Ryan Schmidt, majoring in flight technology, will also be there.
“[It’s] something to do,” he said. “I’m going to [the Howl] to hang out with my friends and to see the wild and crazy costumes.”
Or students who prefer the Scream, will also find a party.
The Scream started last year because some students expressed concern about going to the Howl because of size, intoxication of some or about the modesty of costumes, said Dee S. Barrett, associate director of the Logan LDS Institute and over student council and activities.
“We just wanted to meet the needs of those students,” Barrett said. “We’re not in competition with [the Howl] but we’re providing an alternative to those wanting one.”
The Young Single Adults (YSA) is sponsoring the event and expecting around 1,700 students.
“[I’m] going because it’s more affordable and it will be fun,” said Shelly Thompson, a sophomore with an undeclared major.
Those who attend the Scream will find karaoke, pumpkin carving, games such as a fish pond, cake walk and giant twister and dancing. There will also be a contest for the three best, costumes, singers, and pumpkins. Tickets are $2 for students enrolled and $3 for those not enrolled. It is at the Aztec Stake Center on 1295 N. 800 East.
-acbailey@cc.usu.edu