For weeks, Rowan’s student body buzzed with anticipation towards Hollybash, the annual end-of-the-year celebration. Excitement permeated the air, lasting from the announcement of the event to just hours before, when a line of over 50 students formed at the entrance before it had even started. 

It was a beautiful day, with some of the warmest temperatures seen in months and more students in one place than seen all semester.

Even Dean of Students Kevin Koett was out enjoying the event.

“It’s just a nice way to have our students in a really stressful time of year, have a little fun. Great to see the smiles, great to see the excitement. Just a wonderful day,” Koett said. 

Koett said he was there mainly for the crowd and to see students enjoying the day, but others came for a multitude of reasons, with the event featuring something for everyone.

There were plenty of attractions for thrill-seekers, including carnival rides, a zipline and a rock wall reaching the same height (if not higher) than some of the surrounding buildings. 

There were also several games and activities during the afternoon. Body marbling was popular amongst students, people walked around colored arms for several days after.

Another activity, drawing a bit more variance in student reviews, was karaoke on the main stage before scheduled performances began. Some students stepped up on stage just to have fun and mess around, others performed heartfelt covers and even some originals. 

In the eyes of many attendees, the most important attraction was the food.

“I won’t lie. I’m here for the food and the food only,” said sophomore Mark Daniels.

It was not rare to see students who came just for a free meal.

Barbeque, fried foods, sweet treats and ice cream, and even some crossover Asian-Latin cuisine were all on the menu. Food trucks pulled onto multiple locations on the green and students could walk up and pay with 10 dollars worth of food vouchers included in admission to the event.

Overall, the event was a great way for students to get out and enjoy the spring weather while taking some time to destress and escape the pressure of finals.

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