Guide to Local Halloween Events: The Howl in Logan, Utah

If you go to Utah State University, you know about The Howl, and if you don't, you should. Each year Utah State University hosts a Halloween bash for its students in the Taggart Student Center. In past years students have come from all over Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming to attend it, making it one of Utah's biggest college party events. Unfortunately, do to safety concerns and past security issues, as of October 2005, Utah State University decided to no longer offer tickets to non-USU students unless a USU student buys them a ticket in advance. This is a measure to try and regulate attendance by people with no connection to USU, which have caused problems in the past. But, if you are a student and need something to do this Halloween, you should check it out.

The Howl is a Utah State University tradition going back 25 years. It is planned and staffed by USU students and all of the proceeds go to funding of future student activities. The Howl is usually scheduled for the weekend before Halloween, although no specific date has been set for the 2006 Halloween season.

The Howl offers a lot of activities for people of all interests. If you're into live music, there are generally several bands playing in the Sunburst Lounge for your enjoyment. The bands are local and range from rock, punk, reggae, and much, much more. So yell your lungs out and dance away your night.

For those who are more comedically driven, the school usually arranges for a traveling comedy troupe to entertain the Halloween guests in the auditorium. In the past they have favored improv groups, but also bring in local comedians. If you go, don't miss the shows, they're always entertaining and give you a chance to relax and enjoy yourself.

If you're into dancing, The Hub, the food court downstairs, is turned into a dance club with house rhythms and hip-hop. It's your chance to get down and funky in spooky style. The dance is usually a great place to meet your fellow guys and girls and get down.

If you're feeling lucky after all of that excitement, you can try your luck in the ballroom where they often have poker tables set up for you to gamble the night away. Take on other ghosts and goblins and try to come up on top. It's a great way to pass the time. Also, later in the night, the ballroom is usually cleared out and a hypnotist takes the stage. This is an opportunity to see your fellow students make fools of themselves. It's always a fun time and a great way to wind down the evening.

Throughout the student center there are various other booths and attractions to entertain. In the past there has been refreshments, usually pizza and beverages, served throughout the student center. Often there are also face painters, fake tattooists, and fortunetellers. Just keep your eyes open and you're sure to find something you'll enjoy.

Finally, the best part about The Howl is checking out the costumes of the other attendees. You'll find costumes of all shapes and sizes. There are a couple of things to remember, however, when choosing a costume for this party. You are not allowed props such as swords, staffs, poles, or anything that might be used as a weapon. If you show up with these items they will be taken by the security staff or you will not be allowed to enter the party.

Now that you know a little bit more about the Howl, how do you get in? Students can buy tickets in the Student ID office in the Taggart Student Center. You may buy tickets for you and your friends, but the school may set ticket limits. Ticket prices vary from year to year, so check with the office. Also, remember that tickets will not be sold the night of the event, so get your tickets early or you'll be out in the cold.

The Howl is a great way to spend your Halloween. So, don't miss out on one of the biggest Halloween events in Utah!