VEISHEA hits 80

Iowa State University’s spring Veishea celebration hits a milestone today with opening ceremonies on the campus in Ames. It’s the 80th year for what’s billed as the largest student-run celebration in the nation. I-S-U senior Mark Ringkob is one of the co-chairs of the event, which he says will focus on the event’s tradition.They’ll have some historical displays, and are placing an historical marker on campus to commemorate the 80th year. Ringkob says the theme this year is “Celebrating Student Success.” Two of the most popular events are back, the parade and the “Stars over Veishea” play.The parade begins Saturday at 10:40 a-m; the play is “Grease.” Problems with alcohol and student rioting are an unpleasant part of Vieshea’s past. Co-chair Jen Fritz says they address those concerns, but they’re not something they dwell on.She says they want to keep students safe, but the focus of Veishea is promoting the university. How does this year’s Veishea compare to the first one 80 years ago?She says the tradition is the same, with college open houses, a parade and the play. Fritz says 375 students are involved in planning and putting on the 2002 Veishea celebration.