By Mallory Sherwood, Managing Editor
Adams and Smith residence halls will boast of a 150-foot water slide this Saturday at its second annual Backyard Bash. The cookout and day of activities begins at 2 p.m. and will end at dusk.
Patrick Leech, Smith resident assistant, said the event, which began two years ago, was created so students could have a chance to have fun and hang out before school ended.
"It’s a time to hang out and enjoy the people around you," Leech said. "Bring your friends and relax. It’s not an event where you play mixers and need to meet new people."
Leech, senior history major from Tuscola, has helped plan this event the past two years.
"Each semester we do this, it expands even more," he said.
Leech said the water slide will be 60 feet longer than last year, that the mud pit behind Adams and Smith will be larger, and there will be more bands and other activities than in previous years. He said the backyard bash, created by Adams and Smith director Todd Ormsby, began in fall 2004 for Smith Adams residents. Last year, all students living on campus were invited to the event, and this year the invitation extends to all students who attend the university.
In addition to volleyball, tug-of-war, Frisbee and other games, five ACU-affiliated bands will perform throughout the day. Tres will perform at 4 p.m., Joie de Vie at 4:45 p.m., Marcie Rodriquez at 5:30 p.m., Marie Thomas at 6:15 p.m. and Sacrifice Revealed at 7 p.m.
J. Webb, Smith resident assistant, coordinated the bands this year.
He said originally eight bands were to play Saturday, but three bands dropped out around spring break.
Leech said he hopes that bands will soon anticipate playing at the event.
"Our goal is for it to become a major campus activity," he said. "We want it to take on a life of its own and not become just some overgrown dorm activity."
Food donated by Campus Life will include hot dogs and hamburgers for students to enjoy. Last year, the food went fast because it is a come-and-go event, Leech said.
He said last semester 200-300 students came for a while during the day, and he expects even more to come this year.
For some students, however, the Backyard Bash seems only like a residence hall activity.
"I love free food and good music, but I don’t live on campus anymore, " said Will Riggs, junior graphic design major from Abilene. "Honestly, the slip n’ slide sounds a little silly, but I bet it’s hilarious to watch."
Leech said all students, regardless of where they live, are invited to attend the Backyard Bash.
"Saturday will be a chance to blow off steam before finals," said Webb, senior youth and family ministry major from Austin. "It’s going to be fun. There’s no way you can show up and not have fun."
