The weekend of Airbnb bookings, air mattresses, and filling the campus with familiar and unfamiliar faces happened this past weekend. Outfits are picked out in advance for that time of year again: the annual Catalina Wine Mixer.
This past Saturday on March 23, students and alumni of all ages gathered outside in celebration of alumni weekend and the sunny spring weather. The tradition has been going on since 2009 after the movie, “Step Brothers,” was released in 2008 with the infamous reference to the fictional outdoor gala, the Catalina Wine Mixer.
Only a few years ago in 2015, there was initiative to host a “real” Catalina Wine Mixer at Santa Catalina island (Catalina Island Company). Considering the fictional gala in the movie is set on a golf course instead of an island, Spring Hill alumni knew what they were doing. The only thing missing this weekend from the iconic scene was the helicopter for sale in the movie.
Shortly after noon, the greenery between the Langan and Andrew apartments was occupied with people barbequeing, drinking, and reminiscing on the past and present of their time on the Hill. Socialization in the apartments flowed in and out followed by music. Many students took the opportunity to share such a memorable day with family and friends visiting the Hill.
But the day is much more than dress shirts and sundresses or another social gathering at the apartments. It is a reunion and reminder of the unique bond on campus. Sophomore John Putnam said, “Meeting the old alumni during this weekend was a great experience. Their stories remind me of how blessed we are to have such a close community on the Hill.”
The event is an understood decided gathering that has always continued to be marked on calendars with eagerness. Freshly graduated alumnae Lauren Kasuda and Gabby Hantak shared their enthusiasm for being back on the Hill. Kasuda said, “I think Spring Hill is all about the people here and I think it’s important to take time off to come and see everyone.”
Many alumni do not mind taking the vacation days off to experience the friendship and fun in store for the weekend. Alum Ryan Flynn said, “I told my boss that I had to take off.” Flynn continued to explain that like many other alumni, “We come for the camaraderie of Spring Hill College.”
In regards to safety and allowance for such a gathering, Public Safety stood outside and guarded the golf course with barricades in protection and respect to golfers and the course. The students abided its rules and played games of cornhole alongside the barricades.
As the sun and drinks set in, students and alumni dispersed to share a meal at McKinney’s, the caf, or even a headstart to a night at the O’Daly’s Irish Pub.