“Spring is nature's way of saying 'let's party!'" – Robin Williams. #FratTour2k15
With spring comes many exciting turning points -- spring break, warmer weather, spring showers, May flowers, and most importantly, spring parties. Spring parties are a big tradition here in Athens and there's actually a rich history behind them, some dating back all the way to the 1930's. To help get you in the spirit of the busy weekends up ahead, I've looked into the history of some of them. This year there's going to be many special guests making their way down to the classic city to perform at these events,. Keep your eyes out for the Dirty Guv'nahs, Chamillionaire, Nappy Roots, Moon Taxi, Big Gigantic, Roscoe Dash, Crime Mob, Three Six Mafia, and many many more!
Alpha Tau Omega (ATO): Viking Week
In 1963, the ATOs of Birmingham Southern had a Viking as their mascot and therefore named their spring party Viking Week. A mixture of philanthropy and fun, Viking Week has their “Tau Tug," a tug of war event that involves digging up the front lawn of ATO and having a friendly competition between the sororities and fraternities. At the conclusion of the competition they have an exciting headliner perform.
Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi): Wild West
Originating in 1962, AEPi's Wild West Weekend used to consist of turning the house into a corral. Nowadays, it's an all-day event starting with a crawfish bowl and western themed activities in the afternoon. That evening it turns into a concert with headlining bands and rappers.
Chi Phi: Lost
Back in the day, Lost was a weekend long extravaganza full of exciting events. The term comes from so much going on that people “lost track of time" and suddenly the weekend was over. Today it's confined to one day, but it's an exciting one to say the least; it consists of all day activities and a band performance at the end.
Beta Theta Pi (Beta): Beta Lei
This one is self-explanatory. The original Betas decided they wanted to throw down at a luau and they made it work by adding some creativity to their name. Expect everyone to be dressed in Hawaiian themed attire at this one. This year there was a great lineup of rappers such as Nappy Roots and Crime Mob throughout the day. There were leis everywhere!
Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Pike's Peak
Every year since before anyone can remember, Pike has been putting on a series of concerts called Pike's Peak. It starts early in the afternoon and goes late into the evening with nonstop bands and rappers. The word Peak is included because there isn't one particular peaking point, the whole day is a peak.
Phi Delta Theta: Bowery Ball
Jorts, snapbacks and any other crazy fashion you can think of will be in attendance at Bowery Ball. It hasn't changed much since it was originated. It's always been a casual event starting in the early afternoon with various activities throughout the day and end the night with a headliner performance. Their philanthropy event that takes place the day before, “Pelt-A-Phi," is a new addition this year.
A look at Bowery Ball in the 1940's
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Native Weekend
In its original state, Native Weekend consisted of dressing up like the Pacific Islanders and having a big party. In the interest of political correctness, the dressing up tradition has ended. However, the party is just as fun. This past Saturday Fiji Island was a laid back setting in which a great lineup of bands played over a 12-hour period, including Moon Taxi. It was a beautiful day outside and a good time was had by all; definitely not one to miss next time it comes around.
The Kappa Alpha Order (KA): Cowboy Ball
The origin of this one remains a mystery that even alumni from the 80's can't solve. Despite the name, you won't see people dressed up as characters from their favorite Western film. Don't be surprised, however, if you see a cowboy boot here and there tapping along to the sound of the dashing band or trying to hold onto the mechanical bull.
Kappa Sigma: Trophy Jam
Way back when, Trophy Jam was an event where the “sorority of the year" was determined. It was based off of campus involvement, intramurals and philanthropy achievements. That was just part of it. Besides the competition there were fun additions such as bands and a slip-n-slide. While it won't be taking place this year, it will hopefully be making a comeback in 2016.
Lambda Chi Alpha (Lambda): Gator Weekend
Instead of sticking to one form of entertainment, Lambda brings in a band, a DJ and a headliner for their Gator Weekend. The festivities start in the afternoon and last throughout the evening. While we aren't sure why it's called Gator Weekend, we know that it has nothing to do with Florida, so no need to fret!
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Showercap
In an attempt to poke fun at the ornamental Kentucky Derby style hats, SAE named their party Showercap. While people don't wear showercaps, they definitely keep it casual by wearing anything and everything from jerseys to onesies. This is the crazy rager that you heard about in high school and it has been living up to its reputation since its origin.
Sigma Chi: Derby Days
Derby Days began in 1933 at the University of California. A few years later the University of Tennessee held their own “Derby Days" in which the sororities competed in various competitions. Four of the UGA Sigma Chis were in attendance that year and brought the tradition here to UGA. Today, it's one of the biggest philanthropy events all year and is a week-long series of activities enjoyed by all who participate. This year, it will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Athens and will include events with the Boys and Girls Club, a meal on the lawn and a powderpuff football game.
Sigma Phi Episilon (Sip Ep): Luau
While they weren't the most creative with their name, the Sig Eps throw a Luau in late April every year. They have two to three music artists of different genres that perform throughout the day. The weather will be warm by then, so luau attire is welcome.
Sigma Nu: Shakedown
This past weekend Sigma Nu had their spring party, Shakedown is a relatively new name that is sure to become a tradition over the next few years. Beginning at dusk, it was a chilled out setting where people hung out while bands such as Space Mama, the Funk Brotherhood, and Three 6 Mafia played; then to conclude the night the entertaining headliner Sound Remedy performed. The Sigma Nu's even tie-dyed sheets that they hung up all over the walls of the house to create a psychedelic atmosphere.
Tau Epsilon Phi (TEP): Shipwrecked
This nautical-themed party dates all the way back to the 1940's, back when TEP was on Lumpkin. It got started when they wanted to have an awesome party that mimics being shipwrecked. The three-day event consists of the TEP house going from a fraternity house to a tropical reserve complete with tiki huts, beach volleyball, dance cages and an awesome headliner on the second day.
