by Aelwen Iredale
Welcome to the return of the Roaring 1920s in the 2020s! On February 10th, 2024, the SAC transported Centre students back into the years of prohibition and parties with a Speakeasy-themed fete. When my friends and I donned our best flapper outfits and headed to Old Carnegie, we went with good spirits but few expectations.
However, the moment we arrived at the front doors of Old Carnegie and a sign told us to use the back door instead, we knew we were in for a fun night. After all, what way is there to get into the spirit of secret speakeasies than to sneak into the building it would be held in? It truly seemed like we were circumventing prohibition to have a good time.
The ambience did not end there, though. The SAC had created a fun 1920s environment with signs about Blue being a wanted dog and urging us to vote for an end to prohibition. Jazz music played, food was served, and mocktails—snuck in due to alcohol’s illegality, of course—were given out.
1920s flappers circled the room, speaking as though it were the 1920s. They were fun and friendly and livened up the room whenever people entered. The flappers even gave us a wonderful performance with boas, feathered fans, and drama all the way. I could not keep the grin off my face when I watched them have such a good time.
After the flappers danced, a jazz band came out to perform, and the audience was dragged up to dance. Of course, drag is merely a descriptive word, because as soon as the flappers and your friends were next to you dancing and smiling, all nerves melted away. Several couples were even dancing with spins and dips. Truly, it was a wonderful moment with so much community, connection, and friendship that the everyday lacks.
Those who are dance-shy still had their own entertainment. Throughout the night, students could bet on ten horse races from the 1920s. Winners received raffle tickets to a modern derby, but it was in good fun and added to the atmosphere and energy of the speakeasy, no matter how many coins were lost or won.
Between the hired entertainment, the atmosphere created by students, and the fun made with friends, I know that I enjoyed my time at the SAC created party, and I will be attending more of their events. I encourage more people to do so as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to have more Roaring 20s in the 2020s? We all need some good old-fashioned (and modern) fun.