8 • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
COVER STORY
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2003
Anti-parties, raves. keggers and formals
Valentine's Day parties provide unique experiences for everyone
By Kevin Flaherty
kflaherty@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer
Editor's note: Kansan photographers were not allowed into these parties to take photos.
While some couples spent Valentine's Day weekend enjoying the romance of each other's company, others took solace
in alcohol and complete strangers.
I was charged with the task of finding out what happened when people went out with the intent
The fraternity or sorority formal
to party over Valentine's Day weekend. I enjoyed seven parties Friday and Saturday night and found that they could be grouped into five categories.
dress up, either in suits or tuxedos, and the women wear elegant dresses. The formals are also more fun for women than men, according to a couple of men who asked to remain nameless.
Sigma Kappa sorority held its formal over the weekend at the Madrid Theatre, 3810 Main St., in Kansas City, Mo.
These parties can be expensive, and the alcohol prices reflect that trend. At the Sigma Kappa formal, alcoholic drinks were $4, and non-alcoholic drinks were $2. Hors d'oeurves were also served.
Overall Grade: B for women, C for men.
Could be great if: You have a fantastic date and don't mind occasional shrieks for no apparent reason.
"It gets everyone out into a different atmosphere," Elliott said. "It gets girls who don't typically hang out in the house to a place where everyone can get to know each other better."
The Overland Park sophomore said formals were important for a sorority to have.
Lori Elliott, Sigma Kappa social chair, said more than 100 girls attended and that almost all of them had dates.
The typical ragin' kegger
If you don't know what this one is like, you probably aren't in college. Three of the parties I attended this weekend were keg parties. It was typically $5 to drink from a keg all night. The rooms were packed full of people drinking their fill for a low price. One underage drinker said that these parties were his favorite.
"I don't have a fake ID, nor do I have the money to have one made," said the freshman, who asked his name be withheld. "I
go to probably four or five of these a week, it's a great chance for someone like me to drink cheap alcohol without being carded."
Donovan Atkinson/Kansas
Wes Wedman/Kansan
The downside? Police often raid these parties first, giving the party an average lifespan of a few short hours. Another downside to the police busting up the party is that underage partiers may go home with MIPs instead of a beer buzz,the freshman said.
This is a fun party to attend if you know the people there or just need a break from the bar scene, but otherwise it is a fairly dull way to live your party life.
Overall Grade: B if you're underage, C for anyone else.
Could be great if: You have little money and
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