Students had ample opportunity to relax and have fun at the Office of Health Promotion's "hooFEST" last night in the Amphitheatre, where OHP staff passed out cards describing blood alcohol concentration and cups promoting alcohol awareness.
Popular University a cappella groups, free snacks and "mocktails" provided the motivation for many students to attend hooFEST despite the ominous weather.
"HooFEST is fun because I get free food and a card that tells me how to stay out of the red zone," third-year College student Amanda Smith said.
Some students said they brought large groups of friends to the event.
Third-year College student Megan Bernier, a resident advisor, attended the event with a group of her first-year residents.
"I brought my residence hall so that they could learn about alcohol consumption in a non-threatening social environment," Bernier said.
Social Norms Marketing Coordinator Jennifer Bauerle, who planned the event, said she hoped the attendees left with a new attitude toward drinking.
"The aim of hooFEST is to create an event where students will have fun, while becoming more aware of the effects alcohol may have on them," Bauerle said. "The message that we are promoting is that most U.Va. students are making smart choices and staying healthy. If students do choose to drink, they must be able to understand and monitor blood alcohol content in order to sustain this level of health."
The entertainment for last night mimicked the Rotunda Sing that took place Tuesday evening in many ways, minus a streaking incident that interrupted one performance there. The majority of University a capella groups performed last night.
"I like when the a cappella groups play recognizable songs that everyone can sing to and are familiar with," second-year College student Asma Hamid said.
The Academical Village People started their song set with the shout: "Is everybody in their blue zone?"
"Blue zone," which refers to the lowest level of alcohol inebriation listed on the BAC card, was the catch-phrase of the night.
OHP employees said they would be stopping students on Grounds to check for the BAC cards they passed out last night, which contain statistics and facts about blood alcohol consumption. Students who have the card will receive $5 in cash.
"The cards are fun and very easy to use," said Layla O'Leary, a Social Norms Marketing research assistant. "With the help of the students, we've developed a great campaign to increase alcohol awareness and hopefully help keep students safe."
Funding for hooFEST was provided by U.Va. Dining, Festive Fare and Pepsi. The free food and mocktails went quickly, particularly the "Shirley Temple" drinks.
OHP plans to make hooFEST and the BAC campaign an annual event in order to continue to encourage alcohol awareness.
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