“We pick a date, pick a venue and decide what message we want to promote,” says Brabo. “At previous events we have promoted safe sex and also no drinking and driving. We work with non-profits such as Planned Parenthood to get out message across. We want people to have fun, but we also want them to practice safe habits.”
Essentially, sponsored parties help everyone. Students have a safe placeto have fun, while the community reaps benefits of making money and promoting businesses in Ellensburg.
Party Plans for the Future The recent boom in parties has opened opportunities for other students to acquire the benefits of sponsored parties. Jacoby Sampson, junior Broadcast Journalism major, has big plans for Ellensburg and is willing to do whatever it takes to put Ellensburg on the map.
"You gotta fight, for your right... to party."
Eugene Harden, a junior Construction Management major who is also a new student to CWU, said that sponsored parties caught his eye when he was visiting campus.
“I heard about the party [Pajama Jam] through Facebook, so I decided to come up from the west side,” says Harden. “The party was fun, and it was a great way to meet new people around campus.”
“Sponsored parties create a following, and a new crowd due to the business that is sponsoring the event,” says Sampson. “If you have Monster sponsor an event, most
The recent emergence of parties has created a new culture for Ellensburg life. People are turning away from house parties and there is a growing population attending parties. Celebrities have trekked to our small town, including the rapper Too $hort. Recently the most popular venue to host parties is the Kittitas County Fairgrounds. With two rooms and open space, this site provides enough space for large gatherings and provides an area for people to dance. Since the first party held at the fairgrounds, there has been uproar of something to do every weekend including everything from Pajama Jam to the ‘90s Rewind Party. Most students don’t mind paying money to get in. Courtney Johnson, an undeclared freshman at CWU, says the extra couple bucks are worth it. “I like going to sponsored parties because it is a safe destination. I am familiar with the location usually and I tend to know almost everyone going. Also, partying without the cops coming is always better.”
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likely there are going to be people who drink Monster and live that lifestyle.” As for future party plans, Sampson and Brabo say they want to end the year with a bang. “We have so much room to grow, so why not take advantage of it.” The Beastie Boys said it best, “You gotta fight, for your right...to party.”