Greeks enjoy 'feast' of food and fun

Although inclement weather kept turnout low, organizers said they were pleased with the first-ever Greek Feast held Saturday afternoon on Hill Field. The event concluded this year's Greek Week festivities. "Individual chapter participation, compared with previous years, was more of a success," said Thomas Carroll, assistant director of the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs. "But it's not at the point it should be." The event featured the annual Greek Olympics, a barbecue, live music and tables set up by Panhellenic Council chapters to provide information for women interested in rush next semester. According to Carroll, the sororities accounted for the greatest participation, with about 500 Panhel members in attendance. He also estimated that nearly 300 prospective rushees stopped by throughout the day. He said the new Greek Feast format was designed as an improvement on previous attempts, such as last year's poorly attended basketball tournament. "We're looking to find a way to get more participation," Carroll said. This year's Greek Olympics featured tug of war games, tricycle races and three-legged races, though the human pyramid contests were canceled because of the rainy weather. Abner's cooked up hot dogs, hamburgers, soft pretzels and pasta salads for the event, and music was provided by three local bands. "Everyone had fun," said Greek Week Co-Chairperson Matthew Gilroy, a Wharton senior. According to Gilroy's co-chairperson, College junior Nagin Kormi, the event allowed Greek members who would not have met otherwise to interact with one another. "As far as I'm concerned, it was a very successful event," Kormi said. "It was a good opportunity for chapters to spend time together." According to Panhel President Lissette Calderon, the day was beneficial to Panhel as an organization. "I think the sororities got a chance to interact with one another," said Calderon, a Wharton senior. "It brought the whole Greek system together -- especially Panhel." Greek Week's annual "Meet the Greeks on Locust Walk" event was postponed until tomorrow, after rain forced its cancellation Thursday. InterFraternity Council Vice President for Rush Ed Vincent said Meet the Greeks is a key event for Greek Week, as it is an introduction to the system for interested underclassmen. "It is our way of getting out there and meeting the freshmen," said Vincent, an Engineering senior. "It's a way to get to know them." He added that those interested in IFC rush next semester are required to register in advance, and can do so at the IFC information table tomorrow.

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