Although Halloween is not for another week, the calendar year does not stop one of Athens’ favorite holiday seasons. As students put the finishing touches on their costumes, many plan to host the fun in their homes, prepping for one of the biggest party weekends of the year.
The Athens Halloween adult-only Block Party is taking place Saturday from 5:45 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., however, there is more to Halloween weekend than the happenings on Court Street. The Block Party is free to the public and has a lineup of DJs for the night.
Maddie Schlager, a senior studying Spanish education, is hosting a party Saturday with her roommates just off Mill Street. She and her roommates decorated all week in preparation for the fun to come this weekend.
“We just love hosting and decorating for special events,” she said. “We thought maybe our friends would enjoy not having the pressure of throwing one themselves.”
Schlager took the necessary steps to host a fun and safe party, all on a college budget. She said the household spent $50 on decorations and $30 on drinks. For costumes, Schlager spent around $100 perfecting the details for her Batman, Good Witch and Snoopy.
She shared her process of party planning to ensure no one was stepping on any toes or making anyone uncomfortable with hosting guests.
“We asked each other if we were all OK with having our space open to other people and maybe friends that we kind of know through class,” Schlager said. “And then we made a flyer and I chose a day for it, and after that, it just kind of happened really quickly.”
Similarly, Dylan Savona, a senior studying media arts production, is the president of Snowcats and had a big part in planning its party this weekend at 151 Mill St. The club has spared no expense on decorations, DJs and drinks and said it is free for all to attend.
Although he spent around $60 on costumes, Savona said Snowcats spent upward of $1,000 on planning the Halloween party, with contributions of around $600 just for drinks.
“As a club, we've always just wanted to throw bigger parties, and you do that by throwing them for free,” he said. “And then as far as music and DJs and sound system equipment, that all needs to be taken care of prior. We have a DJ coming from Columbus who's bringing a lot of sound equipment.”
Savona emphasized planning for a good time, but also for safety. He said police officers typically look for a bathroom people can use when they shut parties down. Snowcats will also have a safety officer present at the event who will remain sober to keep things under control.
Despite all the preparations, Savona said the party would be nothing without everyone present.
“I think the people are what make the party, personally, especially for Halloween,” he said. “Specifically, if you're not in a costume (then) what are you doing?”
Although many students expect Halloween ragers, Meghan Martin, a junior studying environmental science and sustainability, is throwing a low-key kickback Thursday for some close friends. She said it’s important to have some more relaxed events to enjoy time with friends.
“I think you have to have the right Halloween vibe, music, fun and I also just think having a warm space,” she said. “I think of Halloween, I think of fall, and candles, and Halloween decoration lights, Jack O' Lanterns, stuff like that. And then we also have a few games that we're going to have.”
Martin and her roommates are just using some decorations around the house they’ve used in the past, and have only spent around $10 on some lights. She and her roommates encourage people to bring their own drinks to keep costs minimal.
As streamers are strung and balloons are blown up at each house in town, students off campus are putting their best foot forward to ensure this weekend is one for party school history.
“I think Halloween has been one of the best years here,” Schlager said. “I'm excited because having all of your friends in one place, being able to celebrate with them at a setting that's not a bar is really cool.”
