There’s no place like fest

There’s no place like fest… Here’s your guide to OU’s fest season.

Ohio University students have gone two years without a fest season, and due to the coronavirus pandemic, the senior class is the only class that has actually experienced a fest season. With fest season comes back-to-back weekends of partying, tedious outfit planning, and memories with friends that you may never forget. Well, honestly, you may forget some of the details.

BY MOLLY WILSON ILLUSTRATION BY ZOE CRANFILL

WEAR SHOES YOU DO NOT CARE ABOUT

Fest season takes place over the course of the spring semester. We all know spring brings rain and mud. Your shoes will get dirty. People will step on your toes and feet and track all that dirt right onto your brand new white shoes. Wear an old pair of tennis shoes that you will not be sad over when they are brown at the end of the day. PROTECT YOUR DRINK

Some parties may supply alcohol or you may choose to bring your own drinks. Always be aware of your surroundings at parties – know who is around you. If you need someone to hold your drink, make sure it is someone you trust, and never leave your drink with someone you do not know. The best way to keep yourself safe from the threat of being roofied is to bring your own drink in a bottle that you can open and close. There is nothing wrong with cracking open a can or drinking the supplied beverage if you believe it is safe, but make sure you watch it the whole time. WHAT TO WEAR

Fest season is the perfect time to rock your Ohio U gear. Dress casually; no need to dress to the nines if you are not feeling it. Jean shorts, tennis skirts, leggings, and jeans are all perfect options for the spring weather. Feel free to DIY some Ohio U T-shirts, break out your spring wardrobe, or rock a hoodie. Remember to check the weather.

Nobody likes carrying a backpack or purse around Athens or to the bars. At packed parties, backpacks and purses can catch onto people behind you and possibly swiped by someone. Fanny packs are the best alternative. You can fit your phone, keys, wallet, and more perfectly inside, and you may even have room left inside for a drink.

The Athens Police Department will be out during fest season. If Halloween was any indication, you need to be prepared for parties to suddenly shut down. When this happens, drop your drink and simply walk away from the scene. There is no need to panic and run away. That only draws more attention to yourself if you are underage. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH OPEN CONTAINER LAWS

Regardless of your age, open alcoholic drinks on public property are illegal in Ohio. Do not leave a party with an open drink. When you exit a house or yard to go home or to another party with an open drink, you are violating Ohio law. Do not risk it; consume your drink on the property of the house you are at and then leave.

Schedule

March 18 — Milliron Fest on Milliron Street March 19 — Mill Fest on Mill Street March 25 — Congo Fest on Congress Street March 26 — High Fest on High Street April 8, 9, and 10 — Milf Fest (aka Mom’s Weekend) April 22 — Palmer Place Fest at Palmer Place Apartments April 23 — Palmer Fest on Palmer Street

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