Des Moines Register
04-23-06
With few problems, Veishea 2006 a success
ABBY SIMONS
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
With a last call for alcohol in Campustown, another Veishea drew near a close. Revelers spilled into the streets along Ames' Welch Avenue.
This time around, police said, things were different. And definitely in a good way.
Thanks to a proactive approach not only by students redeeming themselves through this year's Veishea resurrection, but also police interested in eliminating hassle, arrests were kept at a minimum during Saturday night's close to Veishea celebrations. Though later statistics were pending, from 3-11 p.m. Ames police logged one disorderly conduct arrest, one public intoxication arrest, 10 possession of alcohol by a minor charges, and two nuisance parties.
Certainly an improvement from 2004. Police credit a number of things.
"I really didn't know what to expect," said Cmdr. Randy Kessel of the Ames Police Department. "Knowing that this is weather driven, even though people were certainly enjoying themselves, whether they would have been more active if the temperature were in the high-80s is possible. I think people were glad to see Veishea back, and they've been accountable for their behavior. And we have been firm but friendly."
It didn't pass without notice by students--regardless of the amount if their--er--Veishea spirit.
"It's been fun, it's exactly what I expected," said ISU alumna Melissa Fridoff, 26, who was surrounded by hundreds of partiers snagging last minute supplies at the campustown Kum N Go.
And what was it, exactly, that Fridoff expected?
"This," she said, gesturing about.
Despite being surrounded by a half-dozen inebriated and equally obnoxious friends from another unnamed Iowa university, Rachel Hetue, 21, said this year's event made a difference when it came to her personal safety.
"I feel like the police are not so tight on you," she said. "They're here, they're friendly, and everyone seems so much happier."
It wasn't just an increased police presence, but also an abundance of on-campus activities that stretched far into the night. Hundreds of students and music fans enjoyed midnight shows by national acts The Nappy Roots and Stroke 9 on the campanile, lit brightly as day.
"This is, so far, a rousing success," said 105.1 Channel Q Deejay Tony Tarbox 29, who helped to promote the bands as they arrived to Ames. "The kids who put this on did a hell of a job."
A one-year absence from Veishea, thanks to alcohol-fueled riots in 2004 that caused thousands of dollars in damages, reinstated the enthusiasm needed to make this year's event a success, Tarbox said. Putting events back on campus where they belonged didn't hurt.
"It's an Iowa State celebration, so it's back at Iowa State," Tarbox said. It's a totally different vibe and everbody's feeling it."
There was one other vibe Tarbox was feeling.
"This is the time of year when I remember how hot the girls are at Iowa State. It just blows me away."
So as bar crowds dissipated into house parties throughout Ames with little to no incident, police, students, organizers and bar owners alike united as one in breathing a sigh of relief.
"The crowds really ebbed and flowed all night," Kessel said. "I think this will be a pretty easy bar close. They've had a long day."
Bar owners or police?
"Both," he said.