Unofficial St. Patrick's Day at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

“Officially” Awesome: Unofficial St. Patrick's Day at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Ella Whardon

Whether you're a U of I student, a Chambana local, or a midwest college student looking for a fun getaway weekend, Unofficial St. Patrick's Day at the University of Illinois is a party lover's paradise. Created by bar-owner Scott Cochrane in 1996 to promote St. Patties Day bar sales, Unofficial St. Patrick's Day (“Unofficial” for short) is a 24-hour party held the week before St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the University of Illinois spring break.

Unofficial is associated with the U of I, but the real parties take place in the bars and apartments of downtown “Campustown,” a nickname for the university's string of bars, dorms and restaurants on Green Street. A sea of green-wearing bodies descends on Campustown in the early hours, hitting the open-early bars in home-made and Greek-affiliated T-shirts, hats and costumes. Shirt slogans such as “Irish I were Drunk” and “Drink 'til you're Irish” abound, as well as a “'look the other way, ” Mardi Gras-esque forgiveness from campus and local police.

Also like Mardi Gras, Unofficial is a balcony-friendly affair. On Green Street and the side streets of Campustown, thousands of students show off from high-rise dorm balconies, shouting down to passersby to join in the fun. Apartment parties are a great way to meet fellow Unofficial's, but the general friendliness and camaraderie on the street is just as fun.

Finally, a word of caution: hordes of drunken college students will inevitably cause a little drunk and disorderly chaos, and arrests are common for the more aggressive drinkers. If you plan on drinking, bring a friend to keep an eye on you. This way, you'll be able to let go and have an unofficially amazing weekend.

Photos: (From Daily Illini)