Western Courier

Issue date: 3/11/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Paige Fleischman Students wade in the foam at the University Union Board´s foam party Wednesday night. Last semester, the party was canceled because of technical problems. This semester, the problem was attendance.

The last time the Western Illinois University Union Board tried to throw a foam party, more than 200 people showed up but there was no foam. This time the foam showed up but there were few people.

"The first foam party we had they had a malfunction with the generator and we had to cancel the party," said Paul Lombardo, senior law enforcement and justice administration major and vice president of UUB. "It was really disappointing to turn everyone away because they waited for a good half hour to see if we could get it fixed."

Wednesday night's foam party is part of the UUB's focus on giving students alternatives to barhopping.

"The whole idea of it was to provide an alcohol alternative," Lombardo said.

The party was held in the Union Grand Ballroom and was advertised with the tagline "This time there's foam!"

Ultrasound Special Events was the group responsible for supplying the "ultimate foam dance party," which included lights, music, foam and a large inflatable contraption for partygoers to dance in. They, however, did not supply the partygoers.

"The campus is empty," said UUB President Matt Davis. "People are either studying for midterms or have left campus."

"It'd be fun if more people were here," said Grace Sill, freshman general orientation major. "They were probably like 'it's not gonna work again,' so they didn't want to come."

Although she came with a large group of people for the last foam party, Sill said she could not convince as many of her friends to come with her this time.

"I came with a group of 15 people last time but this time I only got six," she said.

The event was well organized; as people left the foam pit they were handed towels in an area lined with mats to soak up the water.

Security kept an eye out for anyone that slipped or needed help.

"Most of these events are pretty laid back," said Dan Mesch, junior law enforcement and justice administration major and head of security. "I'm connected directly to EMS and OPS with my radio."

OPS presence was also on hand. Officer Jason Lytle was not worried about fights but was looking out for any alcohol-related incidents.

"I'm more worried about people coming in intoxicated," Lytle said.

The UUB is looking to hold more events this semester and is considering a casino night.

Amy Hernandez, senior elementary education major, attended the foam party and had one suggestion, "advertise more."

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