Years leading up to my freshman year of college I’d hear about the legends of Halloween at Madison, more specifically Freakfest. As the ever-coveted acceptance letter graced my presence last March (yes, I was accepted a little later than most), my dream became a reality. Fast forward to move-in day late August: the countdown began, and wow did time fly by. Here are the myths and facts about Freakfest from the freshman who experienced it all less than 48 hours ago.
Myth: No guests in residence halls between 4:30 Friday-Noon Sunday
Fact: Terrified that I would be written up for having guests, I advised all friends who wished to visit for the wild weekend to stay at their respective colleges. Low and behold while strolling in at 3 A.M. Saturday morning there were no house fellows, no police, no drug- sniffing dogs…no one, it was a ghost town (pun intended). This did not just happen once, but several times throughout the weekend. Then, Sunday morning I hear that a friend who was visiting (against my advisement) went missing, and because residents are not allowed to have guests we assumed he was asleep on the sidewalk on State Street. Well, we found him in a room in Sellery. So the myth has been busted, guests are welcome in the humble abode of Sellery Hall.
Myth: You cannot get anywhere near the front of the concert
Fact: You can. However, this may only be true for fellow Badger ladies. Arriving at Chiddy Bang around midnight is less than advisable, but it is still possible to push to the fourth row at this time. In order to make your way through, you must be a girl and you must be with only one other girl. Fake puking to get your way through is not cool; so don’t do that. Dancing your way through to the front is not only cool, but also effective. As I was dancing my way forward I noticed a trend… the only reason why I could get forward was due to the steady stream of people filing out of the concert. Thinking nothing of this trend, I proceeded onward. Once I got to around the fourth row I felt as if I were garbage being smushed and mixed inside the truck. I immediately turned around and shoved my way out of the crowd realizing the reasons why so many others were leaving previously.
Myth: Less is more
Fact: Halloween tends to be the holiday where no judgment is passed on how little one wears. Because I am a confused freshman, I asked everyone and anyone what to wear to this event and they all said ‘this is really the time to let loose and wear whatever you want’ (except my mom of course). Well, walking down State Street Saturday night that was not the story. People here were ACTUALLY smart, and most badger ladies got creative and wore warm clothes. From Thing 1 and Thing 2 footie pajamas to a Scooby Doo jump suit, girls here looked creative, classy, and comfortable. So kudos Badger ladies, you rocked it. Yes, I did see a few freezing girls here and there, but all in all the school girl and devil costumes were kept to a minimum on State this frigid Freak Fest.