Tinker Day 101

Let’s see, it’s October, it’s chilly, and seniors continuously run screaming through the halls at midnight.  Sounds like it’s about time for Tinker Day!  It’s a tradition that’s been around for over a hundred years, but in case you haven’t already heard from other students, alumnae, faculty, emails, or websites, here’s the lowdown on the illustrious day:
Before the actual day, students compile hodgepodge costumes from odds and ends found pretty much everywhere: Good Will, Walmart, the back of an old wardrobe, outside under a tree.  This is the one day where it is not only socially acceptable, but highly recommended to dress like a paranoid schizophrenic. 
President Gray even joins in the tradition right along with the students – last year—brandishing some sort of feather duster—she gave her introductory speech wearing purple striped leggings and a tutu.  Personally, I’m a fan of pairing patterned knee socks with leggings and a tiara.  If Tinker Day comes and you somehow forgot to assemble a costume, don’t worry – the nature of the Tinker Day costume is incredibly forgiving.  Just close your eyes, dig through your dresser drawers, grab something out of your closet, and go.
Nobody knows exactly when Tinker Day will be, other than sometime in October, but speculating can be half the fun.  It can generally be expected any time after the first frost, so when it starts getting extra cold at night, get ready.  Don’t worry too much about it, though – the lovely seniors will let you know when it is.  All those Tinker Scares you had the joy of experiencing were just practice for the real deal when they run banging their pots and pans shouting  “It’s Tinker Day!” through the dorms.  This declaration will occur around 6 am instead of midnight, and an email will be sent out to verify the day.  If you’re still in any doubt, check with your RA. [pagebreak]
Waking up super early not your thing?  At least there’s delicious Krispy Kreme donuts and coffee waiting at Moody!  I know the only reason I survived last year was with the help of the caffeine and sugar double-whammy. 
Some students will go to the breakfast in costume, others will fuel up and then get dressed – it’s totally up to you.
After breakfast and costuming-up, students gather on Front Quad.  This is the perfect opportunity to check out what everyone’s wearing and to grab a quick photo before President Gray gives her speech and starts the hike.
Don’t listen to anyone who tells you the hike is easy.  Don’t listen to anyone who tells you the hike only takes twenty minutes.  And, for the love of all that is Hollins, don’t listen to anyone who tries to convince you to wear those adorable little shoes you’ve been saving in their box for a special occasion. The hike IS a hike because Tinker Mountain IS a mountain.  Unless your resume includes running marathons, participating in triathalons, or climbing Mount Rainier, you will get tired and muscle sore.  Wear very comfortable sneakers or well-worn hiking boots – the last leg of the hike follows what I would call about a 75-degree angle.  If you’re injured or otherwise incapable of hiking but still want to participate, there is a van that drives a limited number of approved students to the top.
When you do successfully make it to the top, the view is absolutely breathtaking.  Words barely do it justice; looking down from that height definitely gives a whole new perspective to the campus.  After a lot of cheering, picture taking, and singing, students head over to the clearing where they can recover with some cider or water.  Seniors serve their sisters the traditional meal of fried chicken and Tinker Cake before the class skits begin.  Students are free to hike back down the mountain at any time, after which the traditional “Tinker Day Nap” commences for most students.
All morning and afternoon classes are canceled for the day, but all classes and meetings after 4pm are still fair game.  Participation in the event is entirely voluntary, but the tradition is definitely one for the memory books.  I encourage every student to participate in the hike at least once during their time at Hollins — if nothing else, you’ll have some ridiculously awesome pictures to post to your Facebook afterward!
 
The official Tinker Day schedule for this year can be found here!