2010 April 12 - April 18

• About VEISHEA
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First started in 1924, the moving-up ceremonies usually followed Opening Ceremonies. Each class was unofficially declared "moving-up" to the next class, the biggest step being the discarding of freshmen beanies, which provided part of the fuel for a large bonfire. One objective of the entire ceremony was the development of unity and class tradition. School songs and cheers were a big part of the program. The moving-up ceremonies ended in the mid-30's, when an increasing number of events and changing emphasis drew interest away.

Since 1967, members of Pearson House in Friley Hall have made a relay-style run from the steps of Beardshear Hall to the steps of the state capitol building in Des Moines to deliver a formal invitation to the Governor's office inviting him to attend the VEISHEA celebration. Early on Monday morning after a brief meeting with the runners, Iowa State's President sends them off with a hand-signed letter. The runners then divide the 30 miles equally along U.S. Highway 69 to Des Moines. Upon receiving the invitation on the steps of the capitol, the Governor signs the baton, upholding the long standing tradition. One of Iowa's previous governors, Terry Branstad, has signed one of the original batons more than thirteen times.

Opening Ceremonies mark the official beginning of VEISHEA and proves that despite the changes that occur within VEISHEA, it is still exciting each year. The dedication of the fountain located in front of the Memorial Union was a part of the opening ceremonies in 1937. In 1943, a ceremony honoring the armed forces of the United States was held on the steps of Beardshear Hall. VEISHEA Opening Ceremonies were first broadcasted over WOI radio in 1947. VEISHEA always begins with rather elaborate opening ceremonies, including a welcome by the President of Iowa State. Also, the Governor of Iowa often attends the ceremony. The VEISHEA 1998 opening ceremonies featured former ISU coach Johnny Majors and the popular ISU group, the Shaggy Boys. Today's Opening Ceremonies kick off just south of the Campanile around noon each year. They usually begin with a few words from VEISHEA's two General co-chairs and a short welcome speech from the ISU president. There is also a speech made by a keynote speaker and the VEISHEA scholar recipients are recognized as well. The Opening Ceremonies are a great way to start VEISHEA off on the right foot!

Each year the VEISHEA parade has attracted an average crowd of more than 75,000 people. From floats and marching bands to balloons and clowns, the parade can be quite the viewing experience for a person of any age. When it first started in 1922, only departmental clubs entered floats. As the years progressed and the parade became more popular, various other organizations began to get involved. An average of 3,000 hours go into the planning and construction of each float. A float can either be traditional, which means it is self-propelled by people under the float, or non-traditional, where it is usually pulled behind a vehicle. At first only the departmental clubs entered floats. Residences soon adopted the idea and entered floats also. During the war years, military reviews replaced the parade. When the parade was resumed after the war, it reached the proportions of today's VEISHEA parade with entries made by dormitories, fraternities, sororities and a variety of students organizations. Single entries are judged within their group with a trophy presented to each winner. The VEISHEA parade continues to be one highlight of the VEISHEA celebration.

The selection of a VEISHEA Queen was a tradition that started in 1922. The co-eds of Iowa State selected the first queen. The method of selection has varied greatly since. In 1938, the title of "May Queen" was changed to "Queen of VEISHEA" and then in 1939 it was changed again to "VEISHEA Queen of Queens." Movie celebrities have often had a part in the selection of the Queen. Cary Grant, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Harry James, Alan Ladd, and President Harry S. Truman have all been judges. The event ended in 1970.

In 1944, Lake LaVerne became the scene of canoe racing between dormitory, fraternity, and sorority teams. Using pledge paddles as canoe paddles, the teams were required to dress in costumes according to a set theme for the races. Teams would often find it difficult to navigate the canoes and end up on the rocks that surround the lake. Today, the canoe races have developed into a joust where teams compete to see who will end up in Lake LaVerne first.

Here's an Iowa State tradition that is older that VEISHEA itself. The student-run bake sale by the ISU Department of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management has been selling the delicious cherry pie since two years before VEISHEA came into existence. The event originated in the 1920s during February, and the cherry filling was first selected to commemorate George Washington's birthday. Today the sale has become one of VEISHEA's most marked traditions. Over 75 students from the HRIM department donate their time to keep the ritual active in VEISHEA. In late March, students begin preparing for the sale by pressing dough and freezing pie crusts. Approximately 8,000 pies are made and expected to be sold until they are gone. The money that is raised from selling the pies is used for student scholarships.

Until 1940, the Horse Show consisted only of horsemanship by Cossacks and R.O.T.C. organizations. This show was dropped during the war when horses were needed for active duty. After the war, at the request of students, the Block and Bridle Club presented a horse show. The Iowa Horse and Mule Breeders Association took over in 1955 for about three more years until this event was discontinued.

The very first VEISHEA open houses were far less numerous than those of today. Usually each college would just have one display to show the public what the particular college was doing. As various colleges became larger and more departments were established, there was a dramatic increase in the number of open house events. Today's open houses are a good way for the community to learn what the different groups at ISU do. The open houses aren't, however, limited to just these Iowa State groups. Many organizations from the Ames community participate as well. Exhibits are judged within their respective colleges by ISU faculty and staff members. Trophies are presented to the winners and a sweepstakes trophy is presented to the best overall display. Awards have also been given in the past for the most creative, most educational and most inspirational exhibits as well. Open Houses have become a part of VEISHEA Village, which includes the Cultural Festival, the International Food Fair, Cy's Big Top and over 80 open houses!

Stars Over VEISHEA is a musical staged each spring through the cooperative efforts of VEISHEA and ISU Theatre. Students are involved with all aspects of the show, from performances to costume and set design. The Stars Over VEISHEA committee is charged with the goal of promoting the show and working with schools and community groups to facilitate group sales. The Stars Over VEISHEA aides assist with costume and set construction. Stars Over VEISHEA began in 1922 and throughout the years has highlighted each VEISHEA celebration. In the beginning, it was originally called "The Nite Show" because the musical performances took place outdoors. They consisted of one-act musicals that were written by students. The show was performed in the ISU Armory with a 4,000 person seating capacity. It was moved to the State Gym from 1923 to 1936 because this was one of the few locations on campus that could hold the growing number of acts and people. In 1937, no musical was presented. In 1939, the show was moved to Clyde Williams Field and given a new name, the name it continues to hold today: Stars Over VEISHEA. However, the type of show remained a musical and was written and directed by students. Through the war years of 1943-45, special war shows were presented. After the war, Stars Over VEISHEA returned to musicals and comedies has remained a true highlight of VEISHEA. In 1970, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium became the new home for SOV, which continues to be a focal point of the annual celebration at Iowa State University. VEISHEA and ISU Theatre now collaborate to produce and put on the show. Recent productions have included Bye, Bye Birdie, The Music Man, Anything Goes and Into the Woods.