Homecoming at State is not unlike Mardy Gras...with the exception of a beautiful city and the giving of beads. Traditionally, ISU Homecoming kicks off on Friday afternoon with the "Trike Race." It's exactly as it sounds--a fraternity and sorority pairing, practicing and training for the big race. This year, Zeta Tau Alpha (my sorority) won the trike race - so proud! After the race, the winning team proudly hangs the winning trikes on the ceiling of our favorite local bar, the Bally (Ballyhoo Tavern). The events to follow are for those students 21 years of age and older. :)
Me and a few very good friends, Zortman, Rhoads and Guetschow at the Bally. Amanda and I were roommates in college and lived beside the Sigma Nu house. Good times! Zortman rode trike in school and was named the coveted "Hot Wheels" racer (the fastest rider in the competition) 2 years in a row!
The Bally has been around since the 60s. The all-brick exterior is covered in graffiti from patrons past and present. My name (next to a big ZTA) has since been covered by a big Sycamores sign. I should have re-written it elsewhere when I was there over the weekend!
At the back of the Bally, is where the infamous Ballyhoo pizza is made. It's a Pizza King franchise, but seriously, unlike anything you've ever eaten. Here we are, patiently waiting for our black olive, mushroom and BBQ pizza. The first night...the second we ordered that AND a sausage, black olive, BBQ. :)
Said pizzas...
The Saturday morning parade. We forgot there was a parade - it's been too long!
Saturday morning also starts the traditional "Walk." Seriously thousands of students (including alumnae) start at the first bar off 4th street (the Saratoga) and walk almost 2 miles down Wabash Avenue towards the football stadium, stopping and having a drink (or 10) at every bar along the way. When I was in school, it was more of a Sigma Nu elite, but now EVERY fraternity, sorority and independent have joined. I assume one day it'll be something that's considered illegal in the city, but for now, the business welcome the business!
Last stop before the stadium: Rafters. This hole-in-the-wall bar wasn't much until it became a popular hot-spot for before and after game shenanigans. As you can see, wall-to-wall people!
Amber (a former roommate and ZTA president - also a trike rider) and I at Rafters:
Rhoads, Zortman and Guetschow at Rafters
Ty...a very dear friend and now a Terre Haute police officer. Obviously OFF duty that day. :)
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