Under-21 crowd can find fun in Lawrence
By Sabrina Steele Special to the Kansan
While some KU students are on their way to their favorite bars tonight, Tahjzia Baker, Kansas City, Kan., freshman, will be in search of something else to do:
"It's boring here," Baker said. "I'd like to have more places for younger people to go, safe places to go."
Baker, like many KU students, may not be aware of the plethora of opportunities available for people under 21 or for those who are not interested in the bar scene.
Social activities are abundant, ranging from affordable movies at the Kansas Union to a myriad of events through religious and nondenominational groups and even a few nights when some Lawrence bars admit 18-year-olds.
Baker also said parties were common, either at apartments or in residence halls.
Tonya Watson, Lawrence freshman, said she and her boyfriend often went to movies or to dinner. She also attends friends' parties or fraternity and sorority parties.
"The SUA has had a few good movies," Baker said. "And the Burge Union has Black PanHellenic parties."
Margaret Hu, president of SUA, said the organization was working on booking various comedians, musicians and bands to perform at the University.
"The concerts don't have age minimums, and it provides an opportunity to see a lot of great bands." Hu said.
SUA also sponsors movies every Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday, pool teams and bowling leagues.
Trevor Calarco, Littleton, Colo., sophomore, said he spent time with his girlfriend rented movies or attended parties. Calarco also said his floor at Ellsworth Hall had activities.
"We're trying to go to a Blades hockey game, and we had a Christmas party," he said.
Mark Mensik, president of Ellsworth, said that the residence halls were in the process of organizing an all-hall dance. He also said each floor of the hall was responsible for organizing activities, some of which included going camping, eating out or trips to places such as comedy clubs.
David Rozenberg, Chicago freshman said he enjoyed his fraternity parties and KU basketball games.
"The guys' and girls' basketball games are great," he said. "Half of the girls' team lives in my hall, and they're exciting to watch."
Mariana Juric, St. Louis junior, said that going to movies or hanging out with friends were common practices.
"You have music, drinking, all of your buds over," Juric said. "You meet people by having friends over, and they invite their friends."
As Juric indicated, drinking, or even going out illegally to bars, may be pervasive among underage students. Though some minors use false identification and risk possible humiliation and arrest, there are a few bars in Lawrence that offer "18-nights."
Fiona Dawborne, Chicago freshman, loves dancing at the Granada Theater, 1020 Massachusetts St.. Though a couple of bars offer 18-nights sporadically, the Granada is the only place in Lawrence that is always open to 18-year-olds.
said the bar wanted to offer a fun place to go. All are carded at the entrance and marked with a stamp indicating if they are over or under 21, she said.
Stacy Elwell, manager of the Granada,
Calarco said that he liked The Bottleneck, 737 New Hampshire St., a bar that offers random 18-nights. Most national acts that perform at The Bottleneck are open to 18-year-olds, and some local bands request it. People 21 or older are given bracelets to wear, and the underage customers are marked with a black "X" on their hands.
The Branding Iron Salon, 806 W. 24th St., has male dancers who perform on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The bar is open to females 18 and older for the performances and on special events such as date dashes.
Greg Totzke, Arlington Heights, Ill., senior and a bartender at The Yacht Club, 530 Wisconsin St., said anyone was allowed in until 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to eat. Friday through Saturday anyone is allowed to stay and eat until midnight, when the club closes down the grill, he said. Underage patrons who are eating are assigned to certain tables and are monitored by waitresses.
However, bars and drinking are not the only activities available for students. The Jaybowl in the Kansas Union, SUA and other organizations can provide alternative activities. The Jaybowl has pinball machines, pool tables, TV's and video games in addition to the bowling lanes.
Michael Fine, Jaybowl recreation coordinator, said the leagues and open bowling were popular activities.
"There is also quite a bit of business from people who like to play pool but aren't old
enough to get into the bars," he said.
Tim DeMars, assistant manager, also said the Jaybowl was a popular option for those under 21.
"It's a place to have fun at half the price of other establishments," he said.
Wilderness Discovery and Camping Equipment Rental operates out of the Jaybowl. Fine said that camping was a popular activity during the spring and summer and that equipment was reasonably priced.
"Two people could rent a tent, sleeping bags, a lantern, stove and a cooking kit for the weekend, all for under $30 each," he said.
Campus Christians has socials most weekends in addition to Sunday night Bible studies. Members have gone ice skating at Crown Center Ice Terrace,2450 Grand Ave. in Kansas City, Mo. The group is planning on doing work on a house with an inner-city group.
The International Students Organization has Operation Friendship at the Baptist Student Union. The group's socials offer international students an opportunity to become acquainted with U.S.citizens. It often has socials reflecting a theme of the month or season, such as Valentine's Day, Thanksgiving or even carnivals and field days.
Harambee provides yet another option for students. It is a Bible study group geared toward African-American students but open to all students, said Anthony Case, group president. It often holds socials after Bible study meetings in addition to its monthly gatherings.