TU’s Sip ‘N Slide brought half of campus plus guests to the venue.
This year’s Sip ‘N Slide brought out roughly 300 students and guests they were able to bring with them. Held on Aug. 31, the event was originally scheduled for Aug. 30, however due to weather issues the event got moved. Although the weather caused delay issues, just hours before the event the weather determined thunder and lightning over the Tulsa area. Many students wondered if the event would still be held or postponed but it still went ahead as planned.
The Sip ‘N Slide layout consisted of the tent at the entrance separating adults ages 21 and over and event goers under 21, also identifying anyone under 18. Waiver forms provided at the entrance gave the inflatable company relief and legal information that if any injuries occurred whilst using the equipment they were not held liable for any damages incurred. Next, students’ IDs were scanned and handed a free meal card which they could take to the food trucks and get a free meal. Some of the food trucks consisted of Greek gyros, tacos and nachos or sandwiches all for free with the meal card.
Maddie Grainger compared the event to the year prior. “Last year there were inflatables like flamingos and beach balls which would have been fun this year. Acai bowls last year were a really good thing to have as a food truck option.”
Next there were tables and chairs that had spaces to put belongings on and to sit down and eat. Alongside the tables on the back row of the event there were porta potties available for use. Nearby on the trees there were swings attached to the branches allowing students to swing particularly far.
There were three pools that either had stairs as an entrance or a slide with small steps. The pools were enclosed but not filled too full with water located at each side of the area. The pools were popular with one pool even hosting an array of boys fighting in a ring. At the center of the event was the main attraction, a DJ and a foam sprayer. People were dancing in the middle of this area whilst being sprayed by foam. The DJ played a range of songs including older songs and more popular pop songs. Soon there became a mosh pit with people dancing, jumping and singing to the music.
Ella Abraham commented, “Last year it was held in the car park, which was beneficial for reducing mud but increased injuries. However the mud slightly ruined it because the pools were full of mud.”Seraina Hatt said, “I think the event was really fun but there could have been more water slides as it was a water event.”
At the back of the grassy area was a huge slide, approximately 22 feet tall decorated with the American flag. Climbing the slide consisted of a huge ladder up to the top where netting started halfway up. Once at the top, sliding down made it a thrilling experience and was definitely for adrenaline junkies. The manager at the bottom of the slide shone a torch up the slide to check when people were sliding down. At the bottom of the slide, riders ended in a massive water pit protected by netting. Also in the same area was an obstacle course which meant you could race someone with the same course with two sections. Made of multiple obstacles, the end consisted of a slide into another water pit.
