The 2014 Hoedown!

The 2014 Hoedown!

The Hoedown crowd tries line dancing. (Photos By Emily Regan, CIU student photographer)

By Melissa McCutchan

CIU Student Writer

Columbia International University students donned their blue jeans and cowboy boots for a night of foot-stomping, partner-swinging fun at CIU’s outdoor pavilion.  On Oct. 18, CIU’s Sophomore Class hosted the annual school-wide Hoedown, which featured square dancing, mechanical bull riding, and plenty of laughter and fellowship.

Students were all smiles and laughter as they paired off and learned how to promenade and do-si-do.  When students weren’t square dancing, they could make a s’more or try to stay on the mechanical bull. 

“The event flowed really well, and there was always something to do,” senior Elizabeth Dews said.  “My favorite part was actually sitting on the side watching people.  Everyone was having such a great time!”

The Sophomore Class transformed the outdoor pavilion with lights and fall decorations.  With a fire going in the fireplace and bright lights strung from the rafters, students were able to enjoy a warm October night with their friends.

“My hope for the hoedown was that…with all our decorations, the music, and fun would create an atmosphere where [we] could take a break from the busyness and stressors of being college students to relax, while having a great time with friends,” Sophomore Class treasurer Savannah Blest said.  “In addition, I hoped this event would foster community through fellowship between students.”

To add to the fun, the Sophomore Class also held a pickle-eating contest and a contest for the best-dressed male and female student.

“My favorite part of the event was sitting at a picnic table for a portion of the event,” Blest said.

“After all the preparation, I could observe all the smiles and laughter under that pavilion.”

As the evening came to a close, it was obvious that students didn’t want the fun to end.  The crowd chanted, “One more song! One more song!” until the square dance callers agreed to put on a final song to end a memorable evening.

“It was really fun, and the mechanical bull was awesome,” junior Jacqueline Reimschisel said.  “And I was really impressed there was a pickle-eating contest.  Overall, it was just an awesome evening.”

Check out photos from the Hoedown on CIU's Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ciuimpact/sets/72157646701481713/