The annual Wassail Holiday Dinner is upon us, which includes the traditional boars head, flaming raisins and bowl of wassail that faculty know of and students have heard of for more than one hundred years. Following Wassail Yule Ball, a newer tradition will take place. Both events will take place the evening of Nov. 30.
Pacific’s 103 annual Wassail Dinner will be held on Friday, Nov. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. during the dinner hours in the U.C The event was originally started by the President’s Office many years ago and is now run by Greek Life and Student Senate. Director of Pacific Information Center Denise Giesbers said Wassail has morphed a bit, but most of the same traditions are still practiced.
Although a bit different from traditional Wassail that originated in England, Pacific still has performances and honors a staff member’s family during the Wassail Dinner. Giesbers said the honored staff member is usually more behind the scenes and isn’t always recognized for the work they do. Wassail also used to be later in the year, usually the day before Reading Day, but this was changed a few years ago due to scheduling issues.
The meal served for Wassail is planned and prepared by ARAMARK. Students without meal plans don’t need to worry as ARAMARK is offering free dinner to those not signed up for a meal plan. Off campus students must sign up at the PIC.
Almost directly following the Wassail Dinner history will be made as the second annual Yule Ball will start at 9 p.m. in the Stoller Center.
The new location for this dance has proven to have its advantages, according to Assistant Director of Student Activities and Multicultural Interests, Pete Erschen, more space is definitely one of them. Erschen said with the growing student population finding spaces big enough to accommodate everyone is important. Although there will be a limited amount of time for equipment set-up with athletic needs in mind, the new lighting purchased by the Activities and Cultural Events Board, bigger space and better air circulation should make the gym a comfortable area for a dance. The floor will also be covered with university-owned carpeting to protect the court floor.
The dance is split in half with swing-dancing lessons being taught for the first half of the evening.
“Some students on our campus want to do more than just bump-and-grind for an hour straight,” said Erschen. “It’s part of ACE Board’s mission to appeal broadly to the diverse interests of our student body.”
Senior DJ Gage Josi will take over the ball starting at 10:30 p.m. and will keep the beats bumping till midnight.
Wassail bringing Pacific tradition back mixes with a variety of dancing at Yule Ball making the evening of Nov. 30 a holiday celebration to remember.
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