Weather has the unique ability to create joy by bringing sunshine—or snow if you’re an avid skier. On the other hand, it can completely upend a tradition, which is what occurred last Block 8. The morning of May 9 2015, Llamapalooza co-chairs and staff members woke early in hopes that one of Colorado College’s largest annual events would be feasible. Although everyone wanted to remain positive, the huge rain puddles and damp quad proved pervasive in the face of optimism. Later that day, hail fell so hard it would have caused major damage to and ruined a show, not to mention all the technological hazards that could lead to serious injuries. In some ways, the hail was a good sign.
It meant that it was a wise decision to cancel the event in order to keep students and staff safe, but in another sense, it means that almost half of the current students on campus have never experienced a Llamapalooza. This proves particularly interesting when it comes to choosing committee members for the festival. How exactly do you plan a festival, if you have no idea what the festival even looks like?
I caught up with current co-heads of the festival, Patty Williamson, a junior, and Francesca Lipinsky, a senior, to get their ideas on the festival and what some of their possible concerns are going forward. Both co-chairs are looking forward to the festival and have high hopes for the committee.
Lipinsky said, “We have had more applications this year than in the past, which is super exciting.”
There were even a good number of first-year applications, which proves that this tradition is not only important to upperclassmen, but also to incoming first-years that immediately look forward to the event without prior personal experience.
Regardless of last school year’s unfortunate weather, there was a great number of applications from both first-year and sophomore classes, which proves that the cancellation of the festival has not phased their interest or excitement. In fact, it seems that people are more eager than ever to have a role in this festival and to make it even bigger and better than ever before. With committee interviews off to a great start, it seems as if this reality will be happening sooner than later as steps are taken to choose those who will represent our student body to make crucial decisions and work with the college to bring an experience that many can enjoy.