EDITORIAL: Reviving a Pennstitution

Like Woodstock '94, Silmmer '98 promises to bring back the spirit of a bygone era. We've all heard the lore about this bacchanal of spring, how Penn students would don skimmers (also known as Hey Day hats) and flood the banks of the Schuylkill -- ostensibly to watch the crew races. Descriptions of Skimmer range from "a makeout-fest on the riverbank" to "Penn's equivalent of Woodstock." For everyone, it was an experience marked by music, beer and general craziness. In fact, the event got so out-of-control that in 1972, the city and the University felt the need to close it down. But after a 26-year hiatus, it's time to experience the legend for ourselves. The 1998 version of Skimmer may be somewhat more low-key than its previous incarnation. Sponsored by the Class of '99 Board, Tangible Change Committee and the Undergraduate Assembly, the event is "dry" and there is no regatta this weekend. But with a beautiful weather forecast, 15 tents of musical acts and free food and drinks, it's sure to be a good time. So tomorrow afternoon, grab your skimmers and stroll -- or take a free bus from 40th and Spruce streets -- down to Boathouse Row. Let's buck the claim that Penn's social scene is on the wane.