It’s that time of the year again: more students than usual riding the Stag statue on the way to Bellarmine lawn, calls from neighboring houses complaining of the noise, and a trash bag full of forgotten heels at Public Safety.

Not even a rain delay could hinder the celebratory spirit surrounding the 7th Annual Presidential Ball last Friday night. FUSA introduced a new theme and new food options this year while maintaining the traditions, both official and customary, that make Prez Ball the event of the year.

Picture with Father von Arx? Check. Crowded dance floors? Check. Piles of shoes under every table? Check.

Most notably absent was the photographer, who in the past took a picture of each group posing with Father von Arx. More than a few confused and disoriented students stood on the porch, waiting for a camera that never came. The photo booth that was a major attraction of last year’s dance was also MIA.

The new additions that did make the list included a recommendation to wear white and a sushi bar. The invitation and many signs across campus suggested students wear white to glow in the dark, but for some, the news came too late, while others were perplexed by this anti-climatic announcement.

“I didn’t see the point, no one was really glowing. It was a cool idea to have it be glow-in-the-dark, but maybe they should have added more black lights,” said Shannon Finnegan ’14.

“It’s hard to find white dresses this time of year, and I had already packed my outfit to bring to school,” Krista Charles ’14 added.

The sushi bar was a major attraction for those with more refined tastes, but many were nostalgic for last year’s chocolate fountain.

“I was most looking forward to the chocolate fountain, and I searched the tent for 20 minutes but it wasn’t there,” said Annie McMenamin ’14. “Chocolate is more universally liked than sushi.”

A minor slip sent the DJ’s laptop crashing to the floor, but even this incident didn’t stop the party for long. The exorbitant number of people on the dance floor appeared to approve of the music and the dancing continued throughout the event.

Students are already offering up suggestions for next year’s music choices, though, with Michele Picarro ‘ 14 suggesting, “It would be cool if they tried using a Fairfield student as a DJ, because they know what kind of music we listen to.”

Wristbands replaced tickets this year, which proved a convenience for students who have a tendency to forget or misplace the thin piece of paper on the long trek up to Bellarmine. It is one less thing to remember on a night when people slip down the hill, completely disregarding the new pair of shoes they left in the tent.

Critiques and suggestions aside, the night always proves to be one of the most memorable of the year, with pictures that will find their way onto your dorm room walls. Chocolate or sushi, white dresses or brightly colored ties, let’s face it, it’s more about the experience than the details.

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