Caleb Ray

It was 80 degrees in Monmouth, and the weather brought everyone out of the buildings and into the sun. After going to the car show, and grabbing free barbecue, students could head to WOUstock in the Park for live music, popcorn, snow cones, games and prizes. This year, Butler and Arbor Park joined forces to combine WOUstock and Play in the Park, the two community's traditional programs. With the extra manpower and resources, the two hall governments put on one large event, rather than two smaller ones, as in past years. Hall government members, Resident Assistants and many other students on campus put in hours of planning and work to set up WOUstock in the Park. Clad in their bright blue shirts with peace signs, volunteers worked through the heat and sun to set up games, the stage and food. Kelsey Hutchinson said, "Planning WOUstock was a very hectic process, but it's really rewarding...The people we are working with are amazing, and the help that we've gotten from everyone has not gone unnoticed." Seven bands, featuring Western Students and local talents, played: Caleb Ray, The Brothers De Paoli, Phantom!, Sister Ray, Isaiah Adams, In Pursuit Of and Brad Mackeson. Hutchinson said, "All seven bands are really cool guys, and amazing musicians!" At noon, the volunteers had two hours until their event began. When asked how setting up was going, answers included, "Hot!", "Fun, but I'm already tired" and "Great, but our basketball hoop keeps losing all its air." Throughout the day, the bands performed to the cheers of audience members, and students tie-dyed, created hemp jewelry, played games, wrestled in jello, ate a lot of snacks, played laser-tag and had a great time. Kaitlin Mead, junior, said, "I really loved the music! The weather was amazing, and the atmosphere of the event made it a really positive experience." The event seems to have gone so well, perhaps the new tradition will be WOUstock in the Park for years to come. Zac de Paoli, a Western student, performed with his younger brother in The Brothers De Paoli. De Paoli also was the master of ceremonies for the event and helped with planning and setting up. When asked if he thought the two events should continue to be combined in the future, de Paoli replied, "I think this combination was amazing and should be continued in the future. They fit very well together and it provided additional support for the actual event." De Paoli further explained his feelings on the event, saying, "WOUStock exceeded my expectations, the planning took many months and hundreds of hours of work... The turnout was amazing. With a conservative estimate of 350 people at the event, its one of the best events seen on campus to date... The students, local community and family members came out in full force for the event and seemed like they were enjoying the sun and good tunes." - Western Oregon University Journal