Photo Gallery of Woodstock

When someone asks students living in the north student neighborhood, also known as the Darkside, if they are going to Woodstock, they are not talking about the 1969 outdoor concert.

Darkside students are well aware they are inquiring about the block party held on Woodland Avenue.

Woodstock, held on Saturday, April 17, started three years ago and has since grown, attracting more people and providing more food and entertainment. Originally planned for the Darkside, it is a University of Dayton sanctioned party that is sponsored by the Student Government Association and Residence Life.

Though advertised only to the Darkside, all students were welcome to join the festivities.

"We don't go out of our way to advertise it, but we don't turn anyone down," said senior Eric Misch, Darkside fellow.

The atmosphere was laid back; students played cornhole in the blocked off street, ate hamburgers and hot dogs, played with footballs and listened to live bands. Residents hung tie-dye flags from their porches to celebrate the day.

Bruce Helton, a student from Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne, attended Woodstock while visiting his fiancee, UD junior Sara McManus. Helton said he enjoyed his afternoon at Woodstock and noted the difference between the community at UD and other colleges.

"They have housing [at IPFW] but not like it is here," he said.

Senior Adam Scheidler, Darkside senator, said that while the university sponsored Woodstock, a committee of students, along with Darkside fellows and senators, took a significant amount of time to plan the event.

"[The committee members] had our first conversation before Christmas break, but the months after are when we did a lot of the work," he said.

Along with planning for entertainment and food, the Woodstock committee also remained in contact with public safety, administration and city police. Scheidler said that in order to block off the street, they had to get a street permit; however, before doing that, they were required to get a certain amount of signatures from the residents.

"Scheidler was a big help in doing this and getting the street permit," Misch said.

Misch and Scheidler said they were satisfied that the event was a success, even though it was close to final exams.

"Obviously we're not going to get everyone to come out, but it's a solid crowd so far," Misch said.

Fifth-year chemical engineering major Brittany Collins said she knows the importance of taking some time away from studying before the coming weeks.

"[Woodstock] is pretty laid back and chill," she said. "It is two weeks before exams, but it is a good stress reliever."

The most important thing Misch learned from planning the event is that the university is "willing to work with you," he said.

Scheidler said he is looking forward to the possibilities of future Woodstock events.

"We are happy it came together, and people are enjoying themselves, and hope that it continues beyond our years," he said.