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The First Year Experience: Maine Day Edition

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Maine chapter.

I get it; you’re a newbie to all things concerning one of UMaine’s most important traditions, but that’s nothing to be ashamed about. I’m here to answer all of your questions pertaining to what Maine Day is and what goes on throughout the day. Here’s your quick guide to Maine Day:

So what is Maine Day and why is it such a big deal?

Truthfully, Maine Day is just a free day in the middle of the week where students, except for you poor lab students, don’t have class. It’s supposed to be centered all around community service and volunteering but let’s be real here; this day is basically just one big day party.

 

What is there to do?

Go to the concert (The night before Maine Day)

They might not be Kygo, but the Adventure Club will still be cool. (Tip: go drunk [if you’re 21 or older] and you won’t even notice the difference!)

Maine Day Parade

Unless you’re an early riser, be prepared to be woken up at the freaking crack of dawn (8am) by the lovely marching band as they make their way from Hilltop and all the way down to York. If you do happen to be an early bird though, you can go ahead and join the band, floats, and individuals from greek life and other student organizations.

**Register your float here: https://umaine.edu/studentlife/maineday/

Maine Day BBQ

This is self-explanatory. Just go to the Steam Plant Lot.

Play Oozeball

A pit + mud + water + volleyball = Oozeball. Remember hearing about this at orientation? It’s a real thing and you should definitely do it; it’s a UMaine tradition after all. (Be aware that you will be finding mud in all sorts of weird places following the event though.)

Volunteer

 

To be honest, not that many people take part in the volunteer events going on during Maine Day, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. If you don’t want to volunteer then fine, just don’t litter the freakin’ campus with your beer cans and bottles!

**If you do want to volunteer, sign up here: http://umaine.edu/volunteer/maine-day/

Circle K’s 6th Annual St. Baldrick’s Head Shaving Event

 

Shave your head to stand with children who have cancer, and to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer research! https://www.stbaldricks.org/events/mypage/5531/2016

Delta Tau Delta’s Annual Car Bash

 

Did you just fail yet another BIO 100 test or is your cup just empty? Donate a couple of bucks and take out your frustration by taking a whack at the car. All proceeds go towards the Healthy Hearts and JDRF Foundations.

ΣAE’s 1st Annual Carnival

 

The boys of Sigma Alpha Epsilon will be putting on activities such as a tug-of-war, KEG TOSS CONTEST, and more to benefit the Old Town-Orono YMCA.

**For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/1573052379690143/

Sophomore Owls’ Battle of the Bands

 

Enjoy your BBQ munchies and listen to your fellow classmates duke it out all day long in the Steam Plant Lot.

 

Lee is an International Affairs major and Professional Writing minor at the University of Maine. Aside from her involvement with Her Campus, Lee also plays on the Women's Club Lacrosse team and is a mentor in the Black Bear Mentor program.
Kate Berry is a fourth-year journalism major at the University of Maine in Orono. She loves reading about the latest trends and events.