Dillo Day at Northwestern is arguably the most anticipated event of the year. Tour guides mention it in order to sell the school to prospective students, sophomores lament about never truly experiencing it (due to last year’s unfortunate weather-induced cancellation), and upperclassmen get giddy when explaining it to people outside of the Northwestern community. As freshmen, we really don’t know understand all that the day’s festivities entails. That being said, here’s what we do know:
You will not get a lot of sleep.
If you’re anything like me, you won’t get the most restful sleep on Friday night, simply because of anticipation. Also, Dillo Day starts early. A mid-day nap is highly recommended (if not required).
You will be on your feet all day.
Like any other music festival, Dillo Day is designed to be general admission. Get used to standing on your feet all day and even tippy toes (in order to see over the tall fella blocking your view of the Mowglis).
Security will be unlike any other day at Northwestern.
E-mails have been surfacing for weeks amongst residential halls and colleges regarding security. There will be a strict in-and-out as well as guest policy and many more security guards roaming campus.
There is a possibility for cancellation.
As we have learned from upperclassmen, there is always a possibility that this best-day-of-the-year, anticipated event could call it quits. Last year the event was cancelled because of severe storming, leaving thousands of students sad and confused. For now, the weather apps are showing clear skies, but we can only pray that it remains this way.
It is what you make of it.
We have been told that Dillo Day is a blast, but it is not a given. You must make the best of every part of the day. Dance with friends, listen to the music, enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you do all of these things, Dillo Day has potential to become the best-day-of-the-year (so we’ve been told…).