First Night Extravaganza
Food, fun and entertainment greet new students at first party of the semester

by Kendra Evensen
Scroll Staff

Scott Foster, a sophomore from Wasilla, Alaska, and Justin Wright, a freshman from Covina Calif., race over inflatable rides at the First Night Extravaganza Saturday night. Emily Warr / Scroll

First Night Extravaganza, hosted by New Student Orientation, was held Saturday evening. The students who attended were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, ranging from inflatable rides to live shows.

The plans for First Night, which has been a tradition for the past two years, have been in development for the past three months, Janel Jorgensen, a sophomore from Parma, Idaho, and NSO board member over First Night, said. Many people helped to make First Night possible, she said.

“[There have been] at least 20 volunteers running booths. So many have been willing to help, [there were] many behind the scenes,” Jorgensen said.

The whole production cost over one thousand dollars to put together, Jorgensen said. The $4 ticket price helped cover some of the costs.

“[Students could receive] unlimited rides, a dance, entertainment and food,” Jorgensen said in regard to the ticket price. “That’s a pretty good deal.”

Although everyone was invited to attend First Night, it was meant to serve as an ice-breaker for the new students, Jorgensen said.

“It’s part of orientation. [It’s] something first time freshman will go to and experience. [It’s] to get them involved and [get them] to go to activities throughout the year. [It helps them] get to know people,” Jorgensen said.

One of the most attended events of the evening was the audience participation show “Singled Out.” Four audience members were “singled out” as potential dates. One participant asked the three other unseen participants questions drawn from a hat. Based upon the responses and the applause of the audience, one participant was chosen. The final couples were set up for a group date this Thursday.

The night worked out well with a few perks for Dan Tippets, a junior from Atlanta, Ga., who was “singled out.”

“I liked coming up with creative answers,” Tippets said in response to his favorite part of show.

“I have yet to see if the date will be the most fun part. I expect it will be,” Tippets said.

The students could also attend Comic Frenzy and Acoustic Café.

“[It was] cool to see students at our school being on stage. [It was] funny and entertaining,” Angie Culwell, a sophomore from Kent, Wash., said in regards to Comic Frenzy.

Students could also participate on inflatable rides such as the bungee run, monster boxing, an obstacle course and the joust.

“The jousting was fun. [You get to] jump and hit,” Deborah Weiss, a freshman from Vancouver, Wash., said.

The jousting took place inside of a red and yellow inflated castle. The participants were able to fight against one another for three, short matches.

“Swinging on the dance floor,” was the favorite part for John T. Davenport, a sophomore from Yakima, Wash.

Students were able to dance throughout the evening in the Manwaring Center West Ballroom while being entertained by cartoons shown on three large screens.

Students could also enter a raffle to win such prizes as a DVD player, cooking appliances, car accessories and BYU-Idaho T-shirts.

Tom Culwell, a junior from Kent, Wash., won a George Foreman Grill.

“I love the lean, mean, grilling machine. I’m really excited. I love it,” Culwell said.

“It’s great. [I’m] excited that I’ll be able to make pot roast,” Kelly Davidson, a freshman from Kansas City, Kan., who won a crock pot, said.

The winners were announced at various times during the dance.

Paige Blanc, a new student from Mt. Vernon, Wash., went to First Night because she heard it was fun.

“[The] older kids are all welcoming. [They are] sincerely loving it. It helps you want to do stuff when they’re so excited,” Blanc said.

The students enjoyed the social aspect as well as the friendly atmosphere of First Night.

“I heard it was the happening place. A guy told me it was the biggest party of the year. It’s been fun,” Davenport said.

“[I’m] having a good time. Everyone’s really friendly. [It’s] just fun,” Culwell said.

“This is a great event to ... have fun and get to know people for the rest of the year,” Matthew Griffith, a junior from Houston, Texas, said.