Thursday and Saturday nights were all-ages events, and Science Frosh, “Frosh Ahoy!” hosted underage management froshies on Friday night during Air Frosh One’s Power Hour. This was made possible thanks to never before seen levels of integration between Faculty froshes and SSMU. Challenges presented by this level of integration were remedied with weekly meetings between faculties throughout the summer.
Frosh 2013 also saw a high-tech flavour to it with a new style of bracelet, imported from Austria. “The new bracelets were effectively tamper proof,” said Finnell. This allowed for more trust with hosting venues than in previous years while achieving the highest standards of security ever.
A record low number of ambulances this year marked a success for both the Frosh organizers and the McGill Student Emergency Response Team. “The MSERT volunteers were the gems of the weekend,” acknowledged Finnell.
Frosh also saw increased attention paid to sensitivity and inclusivity. Of note, many popular chants such as “McGill Once, McGill Twice” and “I’d Rather Be a Redman” were banned during the celebrations following complaints from the Montreal community. More tolerant chant alternatives were offered instead. A revised “Drink If You Want To” chant was a popular target of derision among the veteran orientation staff (O-staff) and Frosh leaders.
Thursday night brought froshies to Club Stereo, where leaders and O-Staff danced on the above terrace while froshies danced below. Froshies were still getting into the groove of frosh and breaking the ice and the frosh veterans looked down to the first years with a hint of nostalgia for when they first hit the dance floors in Augusts and Septembers past.
While cans were ordered for Friday night’s power hour, Telus theater purchased bottles, making the night unexpectedly difficult and painful for the dozens of O-staffers serving a combined total of 4080 bottles of beer.
“Beach Day Every Day! What more is there to say?” asserted Alan Liu, O-Staffer. “Beach Day was beautiful! Amazing sunny weather and great music easily made up for the unreasonably overpriced Coors Light.” The post-Beach Day foam party, with its blow up rafts and soapy froshies, made the all-ages event an experience to rival that of Beach Day itself.
In a final burst of weekend energy, all faculty froshes came out in force to celebrate the music of an electronic dance music artist who looked younger than many froshies. Madeon’s music combined with the spectacular views at Terraces Bonsecours wrapped up frosh with enough euphoria to linger within the new students for weeks.
The September 14 MUS Concert featuring Vicetone promised to see significant first year turnout. Seventy-five percent of frosh bracelet purchases were accompanied by the optional Vicetone ticket addition.
Dafe Oputu contributed reporting
