by Kate Ferrante
Although calendars say St. Patrick’s Day is on Monday, March 17th, UMass students say otherwise. Because spring break falls on the actual holiday, Blarney Blowout, a highly anticipated substitution, happens on the weekend before the long vacation.
It is rumored that Blarney Blowout was strategically designed by the local Amherst bars who recognized how much more business they would get if students were on campus during St. Patrick’s Day. Therefore it is said they decided to gift the “Luck of the Irish” to the town a week early. This year, Blarney falls on March 8th. Students will line up across town early Saturday morning to party from dusk to dawn.
The bar scene is not for everyone and the patron saint of Ireland is usually on our side granting beautiful weather, so Blarney Blowout also takes place on the quad of the Townhouses on North Pleasant St consisting of a gigantic celebration.
For those who have never been to the quad for this event and plan on attending this year, here are 10 tips I wish I’d known as a freshman:
1. Buy clothes now!: Students go all out for Blarney, and they start picking out their outfits weeks in advance. If you see something green, buy it because stores sell out quick. I suggest checking out the Dollar Tree first because they have just as good of a St. Patrick’s Day selection as other stores, but for far less money.
2. Check the bus schedule the night before: Pick two times that work best and aim for the earliest time. Most likely you will miss the first one (a friend can’t find a green top to wear, someone overslept, etc.) so knowing you have a backup keeps from killing your mood. Also, don’t forget to check for buses home! Nothing is worse than being stranded halfway across town when you’re starving and exhausted at the end of the day. I suggest setting an alarm for fifteen minutes before the last bus back so that you are aware and can plan accordingly.
3. Go with a group: The more, the merrier!
4. Don’t tell all your friends from home to come visit: This is arguably the best day of the school year, and once your friends from home know they will definitely want to jump on the bandwagon. A few best friends might make the day even better, both of mine have already taken off work to come visit, but remember that you have to constantly look after them because they don’t know Amherst like you do. Don’t forget that they need a place to stay too! Especially if you live in the dorms, keep in mind that you have a limited amount of guests allowed.
5. Have alternative plans if it gets broken up early: Chances are it will.
6. Don’t put your bag down: There are so many people around and you will be so distracted that placing your bag down for even the slightest second will probably result in you never finding it again. So, I suggest wearing a drawstring bag and never letting it leave your sight. Losing your uCard and key would be miserable.
7. Bring layers: I can’t stress this enough! If you realize halfway there that it’s a little colder than you expected, you’re going to be more concerned about finding a sweatshirt than actually enjoying yourself. Spring might be getting closer but remember there is still snow on the ground.
8. Fully charge your phone: Remind your friends to do the same. Not only will you need it to constantly post Instagram pictures, but there’s a good chance you’ll get separated from the group. It sucks if you don’t have your phone as a life line.
9. Do not harass the cops: If they come to break up the rowdy party, which they will, and they may even bring an occasional SWAT team (hey, it’s happened before), just do what they say. Leave the area and do not talk back.
10. Enjoy every second of this faux-holiday: This day is loved by many, so much that a “Halfway to Blarney” celebration has evolved over the years, taking place during the fall semester. So don’t let anyone or anything ruin your day and be prepared to have a blast!
Kate Ferrante can be reached via email at kferrant
