By Shaleen Sharan
Staff Writer
Chocolate, candy and music were in abundance in Slayter on Saturday as the annual Denison Gala attracted over 1000 students.
The first floor of Slayter had food for those who wanted something more substantial than just sweets. The food ranged from the crowd favorite buffalo chicken to the more high-end shrimp cocktail.
Even the drinks were themed. The staff served up some non-alcoholic classics like a “Shirley Temple” with orange juice and grenadine and Apple Juleps.
The basis for the Gala’s theme this year was The Great Gatsby, and many of the students took the opportunity to be creative, donning feathers, pearls, elbow-length gloves and fedoras that characterized the Roaring Twenties.
The chocolate on the second floor was a hit with students, as always. Groups flocked around the tables bearing pretzel rods, potato chips, and marshmallows all smothered in chocolate.
The chocolate covered strawberries were the quickest to go. Another table with candy had students filling up goody bags to take home.
To complete the theme on the third floor, the Tom Daugherty Orchestra provided the music for dancing at The Roost. They played classics like “New York, New York” and “Luck Be a Lady,” creating the perfect atmosphere for the event.
Students lined up in their dresses and suits to take pictures with their friends and significant others.
Overall, students enjoyed this year’s event. Breanna James ’15 of Philadelphia, Pa., was especially happy. “It’s a class act,” she said. “The food is stellar, the desserts are amazing, and the band really played well into the theme of the night. It’s all about the raging Twenties and I think it would have made Gatsby proud of Denison’s own spin on the extravaganza.”
Yamaya Pugh ’15 of Grand Prairie, Texas shared James’ enthusiasm. “The food and chocolate and mock tails were nice,” she said. “and it was fun to dance and take pictures with friends.”
The Gala was held on Nov. 1 from 9 p.m. until midnight.