A strum, a slam, a smash, a stomp and a scream — the sounds of TWIRP rang out loudly from the California Baptist University Stamps Courtyard all the way to the crowded rides at Disneyland Sept. 26-30. It is a week of merriment, friendship and most importantly, a week when the woman is required to pay.
Each year the annual tradition of women inviting men to a week of events and activities proves to be one of the most popular held by the school, with this year featuring a Tow’rs concert performance Monday, an Angels baseball game Tuesday, an “Indiana Jones” movie night Wednesday, a barn dance Thursday and a trip to Disneyland Friday.
While the challenge for most was figuring out who to bring as their date, a lucky few had the opportunity to spread the love with as many people as they could. Elyse DeFoe, senior intercultural studies major, said she brought a different date to each event in an effort to enjoy the week with as many friends as she could.
“It would have been a wasted opportunity if I didn’t TWIRP a guy to each event because we would be missing out on a good time with stellar friends,” DeFoe said. “Honestly, these guys are gems and deserve to be taken on a date so it wasn’t a question of ‘if’ I should take anyone to TWIRP or not.”
The events, hosted by Community Life offered authentic-looking decorations and novelty snacks, and provided an atmosphere acceptable for couples and friends alike.
“My first TWIRP date showed up at my apartment with flowers, and what girl doesn’t like flowers, right?” DeFoe said. “That set the tone for the entire week and I couldn’t have been more stoked.”
DeFoe’s date to the “Indiana Jones” movie night, Jack Kerchner, junior design & digital media and leadership studies double major, said they were able to enjoy a dinner together and catch up before joining other friends for the event.
Another date, with whom DeFoe was able to go to the Angels game with, was Jacob Campbell, sophomore business administration major, whom she asked to join her for the game.
“In good fun, we did the Macarena,” Campbell said of the date. “I felt silly, but it was good to see everyone enjoying themselves. After the game we spontaneously went to Roscoe’s (House of) Chicken and Waffles. It was a refreshing night with friends away from campus. I’m glad Elyse decided to take me to the game that night.”
Groups of people took to the dance floor on the Front Lawn and geared up in Western wear for the second to last event of TWIRP, indulging in games of corn hole and group sessions in the photo booth.
“Elyse and I dressed up as Alfalfa and Darla from the ‘Little Rascals,’” said Nick Worrell, senior Christian studies major. “The best moment of the night was dancing with new friends, embracing our inner-child and foolishly dancing our hearts out.”
With nights full of laughs, photos and impromptu dance sessions, many students agreed this year’s TWIRP was an excellent way to conclude their college career. For those who remain at CBU, they said they look forward to what next year has to bring.
