Crowds gathered at the houses lining Congress Street throughout Friday to celebrate Congo Fest, the first fest of the weekend. Students reported coming out to the festivities after finishing classes for the day, with some arriving as early as 2 p.m.
Jacob Lipchek, a junior studying finance, said the residents of Congress Street have been preparing for Fest for a long time.
“(Congo Fest) is all of our neighboring houses,” Lipchek said. “We're all talking about it, and there's some good buzz building up. So, we have some friends over, and we're making the most of (fests) while we can while we're in college.”
Since much of Congo Fest’s activities consist of house parties, most students typically have to know someone hosting to attend. Luke Petersen, a senior studying marketing and business analytics, said a friend living on Congress Street told him to mark his calendar.
“This is a very important day to say you live here,” Petersen said. “Great hospitality, I feel like I'm seeing everyone at all the different houses hanging out. I feel it's a sense of community right now on the streets that we love to see.”
Maddy Sagerman, a junior studying business analytics and management information systems, said Congo and High Fests have the best vibes, activity and good times compared to the other fests. Congo Fest is more isolated to the houses, while Mill Fest is open to anyone who shows up.
“If you have a friend on Congo, you know they're having a good party and you know they're having a good time,” Sagerman said. “These are my best friends, and I've shown up to their party. I don't really know everybody who shows up, but I am happy to be here. I am happy to be a part of it.”
Petersen said Congo Fest has a chill and relaxed environment where everyone can have a good time as long as they are not obnoxious or over the top.
“We're all 21 plus, so we don't condone underage drinking at all,” Lipchek said. “Also, we're limiting the amount of people, and we're making them show us their IDs if they want to come to our party to make sure they're 21. We're keeping them in control.”
Students also reported seeing others play games, drink, get arrested, put up crazy signs, someone streaking and someone losing $2,000 in poker.
“I’m having a great time,” Sagerman said. “I am living the dream. I have been with my friends. I have been with people I don't know. I get all of it in the same little chunk.”
As the parties died down around 10-11 p.m., many Congo Fest goers headed to the bars. Sagerman said she plans to hit all the bars in Athens to support local businesses and have fun.
“(The night) can go a lot of ways, but I'm just looking to have some good time with my friends,” Lipchek said. “My buddy Luke here, he's a senior, so I won't be seeing him for too much longer, unfortunately. We're just trying to make the most of it. Just reconnect with some old souls and just have a good time.”
