The cold weather didn’t stop students from gathering on the rooftop of Binkley Garage at SMU to join Program Council’s annual “Park ‘N Party” event Friday night.
Students were provided with free food from Raising Canes and iFratelli, along with popsicles from Steel City Pops and dessert from Pokey O’s. There was also a Monster Energy Drink tent where free energy drinks were handed out.
One of the highlights of the night was the music provided by DJ Billy the Kidd, from Dallas/Fort Worth’s popular radio station 106.1 KISS FM. Billy the Kidd returned for his third year as a DJ at Park ‘N Party.
“Park ‘N Party is always cool and fun. I love seeing the students react to the music the way they do,” said Kidd. “Some schools are just boring; I love coming here because I genuinely have a good time.”
“I really enjoyed last year’s event when it was a little warmer. There was no need for jackets,” said SMU Senior Christina Lollar.
Temperatures on the Binkley Garage rooftop reached a low of 61 degrees, but the unexpected cold front didn’t stop students from having a good time.
“Other than the weather, I’m very impressed with what James Jang [Programming Chair for Program Council] has produced at this event,” said James “Peach” Kuchler, attending his first Program Council event.
“It was incredible that so many people still came out even with the weather like that, it was great seeing people having a good time at the party,” said Jang.
Some students played casino themed games, like Blackjack, Roulette and Texas Hold’em, on tables that were set up on the rooftop. Others participated in dancing together to songs like “Cupid Shuffle,” “Wobble Baby” and “Cha-Cha Slide.” There was also a photo booth provided by Photo Booth Dallas where students could pose for three photos and take their photo strip home.
As students ate and socialized, many took the chance to lean over the south-side wall of the garage’s rooftop and view the Dallas skyline. Others took the opportunity to watch the soccer game just down below on Westcott Field.
Almost 400 people attended the event according to Program Council President Charlie Weber.
“I’m really happy with the turnout this year, I’m so proud of Program Council,” said Weber. “It’s been hard with the new extensions on campus and trying to get the word out everywhere, but either way the turnout is great. I can’t wait to see what happens next, especially with Chance The Rapper.”
Brandon Moore, a sophomore at SMU, expressed why events like this are important.
“It’s a great time to just dance, blow off some steam and sweat!” Moore said. “This is an awesome way to meet new people and also great for freshmen.”
“I want my son to go here when he grows up, it’s easy to see the good nature of the people here,” said Billy the Kidd. “I honestly think that, from a standpoint of KISS FM, SMU is a big deal for us. We love doing this for them because SMU has been there for us since day one. We have so many listeners from the SMU community and it’s important that we are there for each other.”
