The 27th Annual Winter Gala, taking place coincidentally on Feb. 27, plans to bring success through the utility of finely tuned traditions, said Wooster Activities Crew Traditions Director John Ross í11.† ìIím trying to keep things the same. There was a lot of success last year, and so we don’t want to change the structure too much.” said Ross. ìWe obviously used a new theme and new decorations, but we don’t to change the basic structure ó people like traditions. That, and Grainne [Carlin í11] did a really good job last year, and I am trying to follow in her footsteps.”
ìBut a lot of the structure of Gala as a whole is about tradition. It is a long standing event, and it receives administrative funds because the administration wants to continue having it,” added Co-Director of WAC Publicity Taylor Lamborn í11. ìIím really excited personally because it’s the only formal dance that happens on campus that’s open to the whole student body. It’s always nice to dress up.”† The chocolate fountain and cheesecake famed from last year will be returning, as will live musical entertainment.
This year, WAC signed Different Hats, a jazz band.†† In addition to traditions common to the last few years, Lamborn mentioned the hope of one tradition from the first few Galas returning ó faculty attendance.†† ìA lot of people don’t realize faculty members are invited as well,” said Lamborn. ìBack in the day, a lot of professors used to come and talk to their favorite students, and weíd love to make that happen again. I think these days college professors are scared of the potential of rowdy students late at night. But if you have a favorite professor, tell them to come!”
There will be a few new additions, however. Lamborn and Ross both confirmed that there will be a photo booth on the first floor of Lowry for pictures on the way in. ìWe were supposed to have a photo booth last year, so having one this year is particularly exciting,” said Lamborn.† The theme this year is Roaring 20s. Other options WAC deliberated for this year included Under the Sea and Arabian Nights.†† ìWe picked the Roaring 20s because everyone can relate to it,” said Ross. ìEveryone knows Al Capone and all those gangsters from the 20s. With Arabian nights, not everyone would have felt the same way.”
ìWe thought it would be fun to have that kind of band play as well, which influenced the decision,” added Lamborn. ìWe also wanted to keep things classy. Classy is very important.”
Lamborn also stressed that one tradition commonly overlooked each year is a bare minimum staff putting Gala together. ìI don’t think people realize how few people are involved in WAC.
I talked to my co-publicity director Kamar Reed and he was in awe of how few people are involved in WAC,” said Lamborn. ìIn the Gala committee, it is really John [Ross] running it with our advisor Julia [Zimmer] and four or five other people that had slight input. But it really is a huge task taken on by a small task force.”
For those interested in attending, Gala will open at 10 p.m. on Saturday and will last until 1 a.m.† ìIt’s going to be an absolutely amazing evening,” said Lamborn. ìI think everybody needs to go at least once in their four years. It’s part of the Wooster experience.”