Ideas for end of the year event

[PiPhiGirl2005]

Our events coordinator and I are having a little problem, and we were hoping that our friends at GC could help solve it.

Every year, our graduation is on a Saturday. On the day before graduation, the members of our chapter usually take a trip to Cedar Pointe, an amusement park located in Northern Ohio on Lake Erie. It's about five hours from here, so it makes for a great road trip. However, this year, Cedar Pointe isn't open on the Friday before our graduation; in fact, neither are any other area amusement parks we've looked at: Michigan's Adventure, Six Flags Chicago, and the Six Flags in Ohio. Thus, we're kind of stuck.

We would still like to plan an event for our chapter on that day that would be a fun last big event/trip before our seniors leave us. However, we're totally out of ideas, and I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions.

Thanks!

[chideltjen]

i dont' know much about ohio... but why not still go to lake erie... but actually go to the lake instead. Try out boating, water skiing, rent equipment, etc. Or just hang out on the pier/beach like area and get tan. BBQ. Etc.

why are all the amusement parks closed on a friday???? what day is this? is it a holiday or something?

[dakareng]

Or just hang out on the pier/beach like area and get tan. BBQ.

Great ideas for California but all I can say is BRRRRRRRRRRRR!! The concept is good and I think there would be alternatives that don't involve falling into Lake Erie! I was born and bred in Ohio, practically on the shores of Lake Erie and we would hesitate getting into the water until mid-July!! I like the idea of a BBQ but why go 5 hours away for that? There are state parks throughout Ohio/ Indiana/ Illinois with great facilties (and more than just cookout spaces).

I'm not surprised that Cedar Point is closed M-F. Since most attendees are kids (or people with kids) and most workers are college students, it doesn't surprise me that they don't open 7 days/ week until public schools are out. If the big venues are unavailable, have you looked for smaller, local festivals... some may include Fridays (although most will be Sat/ Sun) or try something indoors. It may sound juvenile, but science museums can be fun for all ages (try COSI in Columbus/ Toledo... there is one in Chicago and may be in Indianapolis).

My other question would be, what is your purpose or goal fo the event? Sisterhood? Celebration? Good memories of your seniors? If so, it would be great if the majority of your members were there. It seems to me that Cedar Point is an awfully expensive road trip ($50+ for admission, outrageously expensive food, even more outrageously expensive gas to get there.... lodging since I doubt you tack 10 hours of travel onto a day at the Pointe... and are doing so safely) and not all members can afford to do so. A big party locally could be just as memorable and a whole lot less expensive. Putting on my officer's hat for a moment (sorry, can't help it), I would ask you to look at your international's policies regarding overnight/ out of town parties... as the chapter event coordinator you need to know it before you start. (PM me if you don't know where to find Pi Phis). Memorable chapter events don't need to be 200+ miles away from your campus

[AGDee]

Are you in Michigan or Ohio now? A group of friends and I went to Frankenmuth for an overnighter and had a blast! There is so much to do at the Bavarian Inn (hot tub, game rooms, live entertainment, etc) and in the town of Frankenmuth itself. There's also an outlet mall right there too!

Dee