2nd annual bonfire sponsored by SAA, Union Board

As the smoke rose to the sky and the embers began to flare, it became clear: Homecoming is here.

The second annual bonfire, put on by the Student Alumni Association and the Union Board, was sparked at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Dunn Meadow following a Cornhole tournament.

The proceeds from the event will benefit United Way, a national network of local organizations, according to its Web site.

“United Way spends the money on the community,” said senior Katie Harvey, IU campaign coordinator for United Way. The two sponsors worked together to make the event a success. Compared to last year, said Alyse Vail, vice president of special events for SAA, the number of participants has gone up significantly. About 100 people pre-registered for the tournament and attended the event.

“It took a lot of collaboration,” Vail said. “Union Board put together the band, and we put together the whole cornhole aspect. It’s turned out great.”

Sophomore Brian Holthouse, spirit and traditions director for Union Board, said the Union Board brought Mike and Joe, a band from Indianapolis made up of two IU alumni, to Dunn Meadow for the bonfire. They also took care of the food for the event.
Participants agreed the event was a fun time.

“It’s been good,” said sophomore Corey Mason. “It’s been kind of cold, but everyone’s out here having a good time. It’s a lot of fun.”

Dean of Students Dick McKaig said he believed the event was a great new campus custom.

“Its’ great in that it brings students together from across the campus,” McKaig said. “It’s building campus tradition, getting people involved. That’s what it’s all about.”