Haunting happenings
Spooky events creep onto campus for weekend

By DANA IRWIN
Collegian Staff Writer

Students looking for a frighteningly exciting Halloween weekend won't have to leave campus this year -- and not because of any mythical mass murderer.

The Association of Residence Hall Students, in conjunction with Undergraduate Student Government, HUB Late Night and the Student Union Board, are sponsoring this year's Halloween Extravaganza from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. tomorrow in the HUB Ballroom. Other organizations also are sponsoring activities.

"The purpose of the Halloween Extravaganza, along with many of the other activities sponsored by USG, is to provide students with a non-alcohol weekend event," USG Vice President Brian Olivo said. "We are providing students with alternatives to spending their evening in a bar."

A student committee has been working for weeks booking entertainment and getting sponsors to put the extravaganza together, he said.

The extravaganza will offer a variety of activities designed to attract a large number of students, said Sam Spencer, ARHS activities director.

Activities include tie-dying, karaoke, caricatures, piņatas and a disc jockey.

Along with the classic Halloween activities of pumpkin carving and a costume contest, students daring enough can test their fear of the unknown by participating in a seance.

Student interest and involvement in the alcohol-free events on campus is on the increase, Spencer said.

"I think it's a nice opportunity for students to have a fun, safe evening," Colleen Quinn (freshman-business) said.

The sponsors are optimistic about the success of this year's event, and Spencer said they are expecting at least 1,000 people to attend.

"It's nice to bring the Halloween spirit to campus," Jill Leonard (freshman-business) said.

The HUB won't be the only place on campus with the Halloween spirit. South Halls also is getting in on the fun.

About 30 children came to South Halls last night to spread their Halloween excitement.

The children, part of the Big Brothers and Sisters program, participated in a costume contest and trick-or-treated in the dorms.

The South Halls Residence Association also is using the Halloween holiday to collect donations for the American Red Cross through today.