6

CAMPUS

The Norwich Guidon
April 29, 2004

Junior Weekend activities feature games, band on UP

The Norwich Corps of Cadets marched on the Upper Parade Ground as part of the annual Junior Weekend festivities (Chujko photo)

By Shawna Anapolsky
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Saturday night April 17, an unusual plethora of activities took place on the generally sacred Upper Parade Ground at Norwich University. Once again, it was Junior Weekend!

A gladiator arena was arranged for daring students, who donned protective gear with the appearance of Sumo wrestlers (Chujo photo)

To the left of Jackman Hall, the local and infamous summer visiting vehicular restaurant Rocket J's had a nonstop swarm of people waiting to get food.

A live band created a genre that those visiting the beer tent or any other activities on the upper parade could enjoy.

There was a not-so-mechanical bull that had ropes for people to pull as someone else enjoyed the ride.

The firing of the Norwich cannons is one of the signals that Junior Weekend activities are underway. (Chujo photo)

A mini gladiator arena was available for those who wanted to battle one other in Sumo Wrestling suits -- until someone fell off one of the podiums.

The event was a first for many. Robert Golden, 25, a senior business management major from Scranton, Penn., said, "It was a really good time. Things were just so relaxed. I really liked that about it. It was just plain and simple fun."

"It would've been nice if they had started the activities a little earlier. Things started up pretty late, but overall it was a lot of fun," said Holly Manning, 22, a junior communications major from Northfield, Vt.

A form of mechanical bull used ropes and people rather than motors to simulate a bull ride for hearty participants. (Chujo photo)

Tiffany Burroughs, 21, a senior physical education major from Newbury, Vt., said that she, "Never felt so relaxed. It was really cool to be out there while the band played.

"It was a tone that rarely comes upon this campus," Burroughs said.

A band provided music on the Upper Parade Ground for weekend attendees. (Chujo photo)

Sodexho had originally intended for the beer tent to run from only 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., but beer was served beyond the original deadline.

Samuel Furlong, 21, a junior from Walpole, Mass., majoring in studies in war and peace, said that he thought, "Everybody was having fun. I think it turned out a lot better than people expected.

"I think that when they get feedback for how this year went, they'll improve on it, and it will only get better," Furlong added.

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.