If you managed to swing by the hooplah that happened by the steps earlier this evening, perhaps you were welcomed by Weezer's Pinkerton album blaring from a laptop while 15 or so students were dancing under the tented sheets. Perhaps you were also offered a loaf of bread by some guy in a Mardi Gras mask, waving it in the air like a glowstick at a 90's dance party. Or maybe you came by earlier, when a bottle of confetti was released into the air like champagne at a new year's celebration.

For those who missed all the fuss, around 11 PM a bunch of kids gathered by the steps for "Fort Nite," where they revisted childhood and created a party out of linens and other miscellaneous materials. A little bit after 1 AM however, Columbia security showed up to shut the show down, claiming that the sheets were creating an obstruction, the lights were a fire hazard, and that students should have alerted the university before throwing the event.

Calling all wannabe Bhangra members: it's Hangama, the Organization of Pakistani Students' annual Mock Wedding, in which a "groom" from NYU takes away his Columbian "bride"--which means more colorful outfits and South Asian dancing than you'll see this side of the subcontinent (we exaggerate, but really). Even if it weren't the perfect day, OPS knew how to get the crowds out: transplanting the legendary 53rd and 6th Chicken and Rice stand to Columbia. Bwog had to take a break.

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For those of you who rocked Glass House Rocks on Thursday night, perhaps we can admit that, for once, Lerner couldn't have been put to better purpose.

If you were fortunate enough to show up in the earlier half, food was (for the time being) in great abundance — some of the delights included international treats by the Culinary Society, baklava and falafel (corrected) from the Arab Students Organization, and tasty sausage bits from the Polish Club. The 2010 class councils proved to be better than your loaded neighbors on Halloween, transforming the piano lounge into a Willy Wonka room stocked with sweets through the evening.

The place really got moving, however, a bit after 10 PM, when the fashionably late student body began rushing in for the evening's events. Meanwhile, improv and a capella groups provided entertainment throughout the night. Several student organizations took to the sides in carnival style, with various distractions including Dance Dance Revolution, ballroom dancing lessons, and poker tournaments.

The much-anticipated half-time show was a hit as usual, drawing the crowd with a spectrum of campus dance groups performing in a well-executed program that nearly shattered the ramps. When all else simmered down, remaining students dispersed between multiple dance parties and the lower-key amusements (if you can call large-screen Guitar Hero in the cinema low-key). The evening was, of course, complete with its quirky characters. Visitors included our endearingly-named mascot, a constantly reappearing Christmas elf, and the King of Rock'n'Roll himself. Any possible explanation for the elf is greatly appreciated.


Photos and commentary on the madness after the jump.

- MIP

For those of you who rocked Glass House Rocks on Thursday night, perhaps we can admitthat for once, Lerner couldn't have been put to better u se.

If you were fortunate enough to show up in the earlier half, food was (for the time being) in great abundance — some of the delights included international treats by the Culinary Society, baklava and samosas from the Arab Studenst Organization, and tasty sausage bits from the Polish Club. The 2010 class councils proved to be better than your loaded neighbors on Halloween, transforming the piano lounge into a Willy Wonka room stocked with sweets through the evening.

The place really got moving, however, a bit after 10 PM, when the fashionably late student body began rushing in for the evening's events. In the meantime improv and a capella groups provided entertainment throughout the evening. Organizations took to the sides in carnival style, with various distractions including Dance Dance Revolution, ballroom dancing lessons, and poker tournaments.

The much-anticipated half-time show was a hit as usual, drawing the crowd with a spectrum of campus dance groups performing in a well-executed program that nearly shattered the ramps. When all else simmered down, remaining students dispersed between multiple dance parties and the lower-key amusements (if you can call large-screen Guitar Hero in the cinema low-key). The evening was, of course, complete with its quirky characters, with visitors including our endearingly-named mascot, a constantly reappearing Christmas elf, and the King of Rock'n'Roll himself. Bwog greatly appreciates any explanation for the elf.


Photos of the madness after the jump.

- MIP