Ramapalooza returned to campus for the first block break of the year, spreading fun and deepening new and old friendships alike, with a variety of activities.
“My favorite part of attending Ramapalooza is just seeing all the smiling faces of the students while they're enjoying the event. I love the campus connections it builds,” PAAC Executive Chair Emma Shipley ’26 said.
The event is organized by the Performing Arts & Activities Council (PAAC), which is the student team that programs entertainment options throughout the year for the student body. Ramapalooza is one of the biggest events for PAAC, and they started the planning and booking process last May.
Rihanna Johnson ’27 has been to Ramapalozza multiple times.
“It’s a good way for people to get out of their rooms and have fun with their friends. There’s something for everybody to do,” Johnson said.
Even rainy weather couldn’t stop the fun of Ramapalooza this year. Two inflatables, a local caricature artist, and extra snacks from Mount Vernon’s White Tree Bakery were moved inside the Thomas Commons. The dunk tank, Kona Ica, and the cotton candy machine were placed outside between the fireplace and the back entrance of Bowman-Carter residence hall.
Terry Hansen ’28 believes everyone should come to Ramapalooza to experience the school spirit that PAAC celebrates with events like this.
“We get to have bouncy castles in the main lobby of the school and free snow cones and snacks,” Hansen said. “It’s a good way to get freshmen and other new people to experience what campus can be and the fun events that are put on.”
Jack Bruce ‘26 has spent the last three years hearing how amazing Ramapalooza is. This year, he was able to attend for the first time, and he wasn’t disappointed.
“The inflatable race in Smith Dining is really fun. The inflatable on the OC, too. I even got to do a little stand-up comedy routine in the dunk tank,” Bruce said. “I would absolutely recommend this to other people. It’s a silly name, but I like it.”
PAAC’s executive board and general members put a lot of time and thought into planning these events for campus. The payoff is seeing the event turn out even better than they imagined.
“My favorite part of planning Ramapalooza is putting everything together on a map. We usually do a walk-through to visualize the best places for things to go,” Shipley said.
If students have suggestions for the next Ramapalooza, or if they want to get involved, Shipley says they are welcome to join PAAC.
“Not only do they have a say in what they want to see on campus, but they get to join a team of students who share the goals of bringing free, fun entertainment to campus,” Shipley said. “They can gain very valuable leadership skills here!”
Meetings for PAAC are every Thursday of the block—excluding block breaks—and go from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the PAAC office, which is located in the Thomas Commons right next to the Orange Carpet.