Here we go - it’s that time of the year once again, ladies and gentlemen.
Little 500 week. The three words as exciting to an IU student’s ears as the event itself.
And what’s not to get excited about? It’s an entire April week of partying, concerts, beautiful weather, and of course, the race itself. Little 500 is one of the most highly anticipated events in the college life of any IU student.
When we arrive on campus for school in August, slave through the dreadful winters, and even have to deal with the heartbreak of Indiana Basketball not achieving the quest for that elusive sixth banner (boy, that sure was rough this year, wasn’t it?), there’s always the upside knowing that Little 500 is just around the corner.
For Hoosiers, right after basketball season, it’s all about the bikes.
Now a junior, this is my third go-around with “Lil 5,” and I’m hoping that it will be able to live up to the awesomeness I’ve experienced the past two years at IU.
You’ll never see this campus – these students – come more alive than when Little 500 comes around. The week before is pure anticipation, with students anxious for that Monday of the greatest college weekend. The week of Little 500 then becomes pure awesomeness: the weather’s great, everyone’s out and about, the signaling of the end of the school year is right around the corner, and of course there’s a ton of refreshments to enjoy – barring you’re legal, of course.
While the parties and concerts are absolutely must-attend events, the real significance of Little 500 is the race itself. Hoards of students fill Bill Armstrong Stadium to watch as their fellow students (and townies) race for the glory of being named the Little 500 Champions. You can’t truly enjoy Little 500 without going to the race. There are collisions, eye-opening finishes, and screaming students all in one place. Why wouldn’t you want to go? If there’s one event to attend over four years at IU, it’s the race.
So party hard, but remember the event that makes this week what it is: the greatest college weekend in America.
For me, I’m going to enjoy this week as much as I possibly can. After all, it only comes once a year, and unlike the holidays, where you have to be on your best, appropriate behavior with your family, it’s this time where you can let loose – responsibly, of course.
You only get four, so make the most of it that you possibly can.
Go crazy, Bloomington, and have a safe, but mainly awesome, “ill” 5.
Josh Handszer
