The Howl roars
The Howl kept its reputation for the biggest Halloween party in Utah, selling 6,000 tickets Saturday night.
Its risqué reputation wasn’t hurt either.
From the hypnotist in the Ballroom to the disc jockey in the Hub, people were dancing and letting loose.
Sydney Briscoe, a sophomore at USU, said she thinks the Howl is a little crazier than most USU parties.
“People get dressed up in something totally different than who they really are and they have to play the part,” Briscoe said.
The Walnut Room, used for dancing, was filled with people until the lights were turned on and people scattered away.
One group, dressed as characters from Napoleon Dynamite, said the Walnut Room was their favorite until the lights turned on, but didn’t explain why.
The costumes were extravagant. One student came dressed as a “one night stand.” He had a lamp shade on his head and a table at his mid-section. On the table were empty condom wrapers, wine glasses and nylons.
Many woman came dressed in lingerie.
Senior Ryan Johns said his favorite part of the Howl was the “naked girls.” Johns said he has attended the Howl three years in a row and the girls with almost no clothes on keep coming.
Many non-Utah State University students in attendance didn’t appreciate the price increase from $15 to $18.
Idaho Falls native John Allen, said, “It isn’t worth the money, there’s just not enough going. But once you’re in and you’ve paid, you might as well have a good time.”
Kathy Leslie, Associated Students of USU activities vice president, said the attendance for the Howl has gone up this year.
Leslie said the reason for the price increase was due to the behavioral problems that were coming mainly from non-USU students. It was intended to “deter some from coming.”
She said she was the one who initiated the price increase for non-USU students and the price decrease for USU students. She said she wanted “more for our buck.”
People were still willing to come regardless of the price.
The activities at the Howl featured live bands, including Brobecks, Final Warning, Sun House and UVR. The Walnut room had a DJ and dancing, the Nelson Fieldhouse had a black-light dance and the Sky Room featured performers Sarah Sample and Rachel Young. The auditorium had a stand up comedian and a hypnotist.
Junior Rob McDaniel said this was his second year coming to the Howl and he’ll keep coming back because, “It’s a fun time to express yourself and mingle with students.”
McDaniel and his friends were dressed as Tetris. They wore boxes that were painted to look like the Nintendo game.
Leslie said the Howl really isn’t a huge behavioral problem everyone thinks. Each room was patrolled by STAB volunteers and the TSC was patrolled by USU and Logan city police.
This year, she said, there weren’t any big problems and the Howl ran smoothly. She said involved did a great job.
Leslie said people aren’t from USU hear about it by word of mouth and they keep coming because it’s a production because of all the different activities and a spectacle because of all the costumes.
Leslie said most of the volunteers are USU students that just wanted to help out. She wanted to give them a special thanks for all their hard work.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve the Howl, Leslie said to e-mail her at STAB@cc.usu.edu.
-kap@cc.usu.edu
The Hub replaced its tables and chairs with a dance floor Saturday night at the Howl. (Photo by Michael Sharp)