Here at Ohio University we like our traditions. We like the Burrito Buggy on the corner of Court and Union streets. If it moved to the corner of Court and Carpenter streets we might not like it as much. If Bromley Hall became substance-free, sophomores might not dream about living there. If the Browns started beating quality teams like the Bengals ' wait, that happened? The shock will never subside.
Any way you put it, with change comes a reaction. This is why when I heard a popular party street in Athens was having a Fest in September I was slightly taken aback. If you didn't get the memo via Facebook, residents of Congress Street have established their very own fest, set for this Saturday.
For those of you who don't know, fests are block parties usually scheduled for weekends during Spring Quarter. As I think back to last Spring Quarter, I recall asking myself why Congress Street had no fest to call their own. Apparently my peers were thinking the same thing.
The official invitation on Facebook features a mean-looking hairy gorilla and refers to the block party as Congo Fest. Interesting choice.
As a resident of Congress Street, I'm looking forward to a new tradition. However, I am curious as to why my neighbors chose week three of Fall Quarter. I'm guessing they couldn't wait until the spring fest season to share their love of cornhole and select beverages with the rest of Athens.
Scheduling it during the first home football game is just a bad move, school-spirit wise. Maybe they needed a reason other than OU football to drink while the sun's still shining.
All doubts aside, I will be in attendance, participating in various activities, enjoying the experimental fest put together so promptly. I will see horse cops, kegs and beer cans. A drunken person will ask me where the bathroom is. A sober person will ask me for a beer. And so it goes: the responsibilities of having a house at Congo Fest.
With approximately 830 confirmed guests, 390 maybes and countless hordes of wide-eyed freshmen, it's looking to be a jungle of a party.
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Natalie Cammarata
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