Turn On, Tune In, Sendoff

GAMBIER, Ohio (April 26 2011)

Whether they sway to reggae, fling Frisbees, or simply soak up the sun, students at Summer Sendoff just want to have fun. Kenyon's annual lawn party on Saturday is a chance to shake it up before finals week, put the capper on the academic year, and say goodbye to friends parting soon for the summer.

Organized by the Kenyon Social Board, Sendoff this year is co-chaired by Emily Smith '11 of Mount Vernon, Ohio; Lianne Castile '13 of Gahanna, Ohio; and Sarah Schiller '14 of Canton, Ohio. "This is the board's biggest event of the year, by far," Smith said. "We put a lot of time and money into it, and it's a nice break before everyone has to settle down for finals."

Most of the official Sendoff attractions, including live music, inflatable toys, oversized and outdoor versions of popular games (think Twister), prize giveaways, snacks, carnival games, and caricature and henna-tattoo artists, have been moved this year for more visibility from Ransom Hall Lawn to the lawn near South Quad between Ascension Hall and Samuel Mather Hall.

Lunch and dinner usually served inside Peirce Hall will be served outside in a picnic-style buffet. Free funnel cakes and vendors selling nachos, pizza, and French fries will be available throughout the day. The food vendors are new this year "because everyone is always hungry," Castile said.

The concert remains on the Ransom Hall Lawn, and it marks a return to the laid-back, party vibe of reggae with the California band Rebelution. "We had a reggae band (Toots and the Maytals) for Sendoff my freshman year in 2008, and we wanted to try to recreate that kind of enjoyable atmosphere," Smith said. Opening the concert at 6:00 p.m. is Wafflebox, the winner of this spring's Battle of the Bands student competition.

"Sendoff is a chance to hang out with your friends for the day and have a good time without having to worry about work," Schiller said. "I'm having a great time just planning for it."

Sendoff events are free and open only for the Kenyon community and their families.