It’s that time of year again, when Loyola University’s campus blooms and students rejoice in the arrival of spring. Since Loyolapalooza has not been held in two years, students are eager to take a break shortly before classes close, gather together, and enjoy free food, music and activities throughout the day. Upon arrival, Loyola students will check-in on the quad and receive their free food vouchers and water bottles. There will be specific class year giveaways and t-shirts available for purchase.
Students are particularly excited about Two Friends’ appearance this year because Loyola has never had a DJ group headline before. They are widely recognized for their amped up “Big Bootie” tracks, which feature a selection of the year’s most popular songs ranging from hip hop and pop to dance and rap.
Tyanna Mink, a senior communication major is looking forward to the entertainment because she thinks it is the most memorable part of Palooza. “I anticipate that Two Friends’ performance will forge an instant bond between music fans. They are renowned for their electronic music and hour-long remixes called Big Bootie,” says Mink.
Starting at noon there will be inflatables, carnival games, food and various performers on the main stage. At this time, the opening acts will consist of the winners of WLOY x SGA’s Songwriter Skirmish competition that was held on March 25 and a band from the Battle of the Bands competition. Student entrepreneurs will promote their businesses and sell their merchandise. All the activities will take place on or near the quad.
Food for the event comes from Loyola’s catering. Using the free food vouchers, students will have a choice of chicken fingers, popcorn, tacos, loaded French fries, funnel cakes and ice cream novelties. For drinks, students will have the option of water, lemonade and iced tea from stations around the quad to refill free water bottles. Mink says, “Who doesn’t love free stuff? I still have my water bottle from the last event in 2019.”
Vice President of Social Affairs for SGA, Charlotte Flury, says in addition to a committee of five other SGA members, they have been working tirelessly to guarantee that this year’s Palooza is a memorable event for all attendees. “I would describe Palooza as a celebration. It gives students an opportunity to enjoy the end of the year together in a truly fun setting. Think of the first warm day at Loyola with everyone gathered on the quad but times 10,” says Flury.
Although times have changed, the spirit of celebration remains intact for Loyola students. “Loyolapalooza is such a defining experience on campus and almost everyone seems to have a memory worth a lifetime,” says Mink.
