Philander's Phling

GAMBIER, Ohio (January 30, 2006) Phebruary means pheathers, phun, and phrolic for Kenyon students weary of midwinter. In short, it means Philander's Phling. The campus-wide celebration, named for Kenyon's founder, Philander Chase, lasts all weekend, Friday and Saturday, February 3 and 4.

"The best part about Phling is that it's an all-campus event, so there's something everyone can enjoy," says Erin Wiggins, Class of 2007, chair of the Phling Planning Committee.

The weekend kicks off Friday, with Phriday Phling; new this year will be a pageant to crown the first Mr. and Miss Kenyon. The competition will start at 9:00 p.m. in Rosse Hall and will feature Kenyon wear, Kenyon trivia, an interview segment, and karaoke talent. And whoever is crowned, everyone is a winner; all those who participate will receive prizes.

The highlight of this year's Phling is the semiformal Midnight Masquerade, from 10:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m. Saturday. In Peirce Hall, a kaleidoscope of color and sound will transform the Great Hall and TV lounge into the canals of Venice. Students can get a souvenir photo taken aboard a gondola, perch on a bridge overlooking a canal, or dance to the pop, hip-hop, and dance music of Jady Kurrant, a Cleveland-based cover band, as they celebrate Carnival, the traditional February celebration preceding Lent.

For students feeling lucky, Peirce Hall Lounge will become a casino for the evening, with faculty and staff serving as cashiers and dealers for tables of Texas Hold'em, blackjack, roulette, and faro, not to mention slot machines. Chips can be cashed in for raffle tickets, and the balcony will be open for those needing to cool off after a hot streak.

Just next door, in Upper and Lower Dempsey, will be a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras party with a House of Blues accent. Beads, masks and other freebies will be distributed at the door, and student bands Medium Bang, Skyside, Potato Famine, Rowboat Rowboat, Sticky Bandits, and The Expert will inject their eclecticism into the mix. Mocktails and pizza will be on tap downstairs at the pub.Wiggins hopes that the variety of masquerades will suit every face--and facet--of student interest.