There will be two events happening this evening, Froth and Backyard Fest. Both are available to all students and offer free food.
Froth is Rothenbuhler (Roth) Hall’s annual party dedicated to milk. According to the Houghton College website, the event will take place tonight from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.
“Part of the fun about Froth is not completely knowing what to expect,” said Joe Miner, a Resident Assistant (RA) at Roth. “But, I can say that there will be lots of music, milkshakes, ice cream, and more. We will have lactose-free products as well for our lactose intolerant friends. For the most part, though, Froth is something you really need to attend to understand all that’s happening.”
Miner has been working with Jon Craton, the Resident Director (RD) of Roth, to organize the event. “However, to make it all run smoothly,” Miner added, “It will take a group effort of some Roth residents, RA’s, and our friends.“
He continued to explain the history of the odd theme, and how it returned once more to Houghton. “Froth was created in the Spring of 2015. It was a combined effort from students who have now graduated from Houghton,” Miner said
The turnout of the first Froth was, according to Miner, a bit unexpected. “I don’t think they expected many people to show up because it’s literally a milk-themed party, but a lot of campus ended up coming. It’s one of those funny things that had no right to be successful, but was a success anyway.”
According to Miner, the event is back for it’s third year in a row because “we heard so many positive reviews.” Because it was such a success, when Miner and Craton were planning events for Roth’s upcoming academic year, they “decided to bring it back again.”
The timing of the event is strategic for the sake of pacing events and also for the mental health of students. He said, “We intentionally planned this for the end of the semester. Most of Roth’s traditions take place in the Fall, so it’s nice to have something else happening in the Spring.” Miner continued, “Froth is great to have at the end of the semester because it’s an opportunity to let some of the crazy out. It’s one last chance to dance your heart out, and I think students appreciate that.”
Also hosting an event this evening is the class of 2020. Backyard Fest, which will take place on the Ski Hill, will happen from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Following the backyard theme, according to the Houghton College website, the event will feature lawn games, s’mores, and live music.
Hannah Sievers ‘20, class president, explained the inspiration for Backyard Fest. “So actually I had a dream about this event. I woke up and realized I had to throw this event, so starting in January or so I began talking to the executive cabinet and my class cabinet to get the wheels rolling.”
The class cabinet worked alongside several members of the executive cabinet to create the event. Their goal was to create a “chill hangout coffeehouse kind of vibe” for the evening.
Sievers added, “I am super excited to hopefully have Backyard Fest be an annual tradition to be carried on even after our class graduates.”