According to the kids in Ames, the VEISHEA celebration is "the largest student-run, alcohol-free celebration of entertainment and education in the nation and second largest in the world." From that description, you'd think they were holding seminars and concerts, not engaging in this behavior:



"Early Sunday morning, Ames and Iowa State police say a crowd of about 1,000 people smashed store windows, pulled down light poles and flipped over cars. Police in riot gear used tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd. It took about five hours to get the crowds under control. More than 30 people were arrested on charges ranging from disorderly conduct to assaulting a police officer. About 20 people were hospitalized with skin and eye irritation. Damage estimates from the riots are still being assessed. Police say three of their vehicles are damaged, as well as several belonging to the Story County Sheriff's Office. Monday, dozens of businesses along Welch Avenue and Lincoln Way were cleaning up the broken glass, downed light poles and scattered trash."



At least UI students generally limit their property damage to public urination. Can't the Ames crowd figure out how to get drunk without burning stuff? Oh, I'm sorry, according to their public relations department these people were "alcohol-free." Things that make you go hmmm.



Cedar Pundit has more coverage. He also indicates that Cedar Brewing Company now has free WiFi connections - and I see they've also got NTN trivia, and of course beer. What a combo. Could you guys consider opening a franchise in Iowa City? And serving food until midnight for all us poor theater rats who need to eat after a performance? Just a wish. . .