BSD: a preview

By Scott Strasser

With less than two weeks until Bermuda Shorts Day, preparations are in full swing for the University of Calgary’s most popular annual student event.

The party kicks off on April 14 at 12:00 p.m. in parking lot 32. With an internationally recognized concert lineup and over 90 on-site porta-potties, Students’ Union vice-president student life Ben Cannon believes 2014 will be BSD’s most successful year yet.

“It should be great. We had a lot of encouraging statistics last year, and 2014 should be even better,” Cannon said.

This year’s party includes live performances from a wide range of musical talents. The concert will begin with opening act and U of C student Crooka before Jah Cutta, Los Kung Fu Monkeys, local band Cowpuncher and headliners Smalltown DJs take the stage.

For students who would rather make a difference in their community than partake in the usual BSD shenanigans, there is an alternative option available — the BSD Day of Service.

“The Day of Service is a volunteer program for students to go out to various places in the city to work for food banks or other charity projects for the day,” Cannon said.

The BSD Day of Service was formed in conjunction with the Centre for Community-Engaged Learning. The program is in its second year. Organizations students can volunteer for include the Wildwood Garden, Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, the Drop–In Centre, the Mustard Seed and the Calgary Zoo. Forty one U of C students participated in the Day of Service last year. More than double that are expected to join this year.

Admission to BSD is restricted to U of C students only. Cannon believes that with an expected crowd of 10,000 people, it makes sense to restrict attendance.

“We want students to feel safe,” said Cannon. “A big party like this is obviously attractive to other people in the city — other university students for instance — but this is an event for U of C students.”

With more than 25 per cent of the BSD budget being spent on security measures, the SU is working hard to ensure the appropriate precautions will be in effect. Eighty security personnel will be on staff and the SU will partner with Calgary Police Services to ensure check stops located outside lot 32 will prevent instances of drinking and driving.

Wristbands can be picked up in the north MacHall courtyard from April 8–11 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Both government-issued photo ID and a U of C student ID are required to get a wristband.

Leave a comment