If they are down on numbers I highly doubt they can afford a pig roast.

Many campuses I know of have dry rush and take that seriously - nixing the beer idea.

I feel their best option is to get the list of incoming men and send them all a nice mailer and then have rush events over the summer, getting a jump on the other fraternities. Show how getting involved in your currently small chapter can give them an opportunity to help build a fraternity that they can take some real pride in.

Why wouldn't we? I have been to a pig roast, and let me tell you, I will never again. Seeing that face as it spun around and around really freaked me out. I don't eat pork anyway, so it WAS burgers on the grill for me!

Clam Bakes are huge in our area. They typically take place in the fall.

I think the whole idea is to get men interested in coming up to your house. One suggestion would be to center the theme of your event around an informal holiday.

For instance, in early May, you could do Cinco de Mayo and have a fiesta. During the World Series, do Hot Dogs, Brats, Peanuts and whatever else they serve at a Baseball game. Or, do a Sports Bar theme with several TVs going with different games, serving chicken wings and other bar food. I know of one fraternity that does Poker night, with beer and cigars.