NE turns RetroFest ending into an authentic ‘happening’
by Shannon Harrison, ne news editor

     All good things must come to an end, and last week this adage came true when NE Campus ended its three-month RetroFest celebration with a “happening.”

     The event started with people enjoying cheese fondue dip, mini cheeseburgers and root beer floats.

     To help guests get into the spirit of the happening, the TCC jazz band played ’60s music under the direction of Jack Cobb, associate professor of music.

     Faculty and staff also had featured roles in this event. Student activities provided video interviews with the faculty and staff on what they were doing in the ’60s.

     For more memories of the past, Karmien Bowman, associate professor of art, reminisced about her time at Woodstock and told what the event meant to her.

     Contests were also available for people to participate in. Dr. Larry Darlage, president of NE Campus, provided his collection of ties that are associated with Beatles’ songs.

     Nine people correctly guessed in the tie contest. Erika Barragan, Manasha Bass, Matt Rzomp, Brenda Walk, Wendy Shepard, Susie Carranza, Jennifer Seaborn, Vicki McCleery and Karla Hyde turned in correct answers in the contest.

     Seaborn, McCleery and Hyde won third, second and first places, repectively.

     Participants were also encouraged to dress in their favorite ’60s outfits to compete for most authentic and interesting costume.

     Tie-dyed T-shirts, bluejeans and love beads were the attire of the day as students, faculty and staff relieved the ’60s era.

     Debbie Kaiser, academic advisor, and Gavin Hradik, campus nurse, won a Beatles’ CD in the costume contest.

     Students who wanted a little knowledge of the past could enjoy the exhibits that were on display.

     Exhibits included the Vietnam War; Civil Rights Movement, which featured Martin Luther King Jr.; a space program; and a fashion show, featuring clothing from the ’60s.

In addition, a hippie movement exhibit was on view in the TV lounge in the student center.

     “I’m having fun looking back into the past, but I wish that more students would have showed up. They would have had a great time,” Lou Davenport, student development coordinator, said.