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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

April 4, 2008

Clayton Anderson

NASA astronaut and ISU alumnus Clayton Anderson returns to campus for Veishea events. He'll speak at 3:10 p.m. Thursday, April 10, in the Howe auditorium and during opening ceremonies Friday, April 11 (11:45 a.m., central campus). Photo courtesy of NASA.

Astronaut Clayton Anderson headlines Veishea 2008

by Paula Van Brocklin

Are your taste buds hankering for sweet cherry pie? That's a sure sign Veishea is right around the corner.

The Veishea 2008 celebration, April 7-13, boasts many traditional favorites -- the parade, canoe races, Stars Over Veishea and, of course, the cherry pies. This year's event also features a special sesquicentennial concluding ceremony, planned for Saturday, April 12, following the parade south of the campanile (see accompanying story).

Now, getting back to those cherry pies. They go on sale at 7:30 a.m. Friday, April 11, at the Tearoom's kitchen entrance, 16 MacKay Hall. They will be sold until mid-afternoon Friday, or until half of the total 12,500 pies are gone. If you miss out Friday, don't worry. The pies also will be for sale Saturday, April 12, at the same location. Cost is $1 per pie.

Here's a brief look at some of this year's other Veishea festivities. Go to www.veishea.iastate.edu for a complete schedule.

Speaker Michael Ian Black: April 7 (8 p.m., Great Hall, MU)

Actor, comedian and writer Michael Ian Black co-founded and starred in The State, a sketch comedy show that aired on MTV and CBS for six years. He also played Phil on the NBC drama Ed, and starred in the movie Wet Hot American Summer, opposite Paul Rudd and Janeane Garafalo. He is currently editor-at-large of Cracked, a 50-year-old humor magazine. Admission is free.

Campus showcase: April 7-11 (11 a.m.-2 p.m., central campus)

An Iowa State college, along with its affiliated clubs and organizations, will be honored each weekday during this long-standing Veishea event. And while you're checking out the colleges' accomplishments, treat yourself to lunch at the all-campus barbecues, also held Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The showcase schedule is:

  • Monday, April 7: College of Human Sciences and College of Design
  • Tuesday, April 8: College of Business
  • Wednesday, April 9: College of Engineering
  • Thursday, April 10: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
  • Friday, April 11: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Veishea Says I'm Funny: April 8 (10 p.m., Maintenance Shop, MU)

ISU students with comedic aspirations will have a chance to put their stand-up routines to the test during this event. First- through third-place performers will receive cash prizes based upon their overall presentations. The event is free and open to the public.

Hypnotist Anthony Potmesil: April 9 (8 p.m., Great Hall, MU)

Anthony Potmesil has performed for colleges, clubs and corporations throughout the country. His show combines comedy with the power of hypnotism. Free admission.

Cyclone Idol finals: April 10 (7 p.m., Stephens)

Approximately 26 students auditioned for the show, but only 10 will perform in the finals. First- through third-place winners will receive cash prizes. Jeff Timmons, founding member of the band 98 Degrees, will emcee the event. 98 Degrees has had eight Top 40 singles and sold more than 10 million records. Admission is free and open to the public.

Opening ceremonies: April 11 (11:45 a.m., central campus; rain location is Great Hall, MU)

ISU Groove, a student percussion ensemble, will drum up enthusiasm for Veishea 2008 by kicking off the opening ceremonies. ISU alumnus and NASA astronaut, Clayton Anderson, who spent almost five months at the International Space Station last year, will provide the keynote address. Head volleyball coach Christy Johnson will light the Veishea torch as it completes its voyage to Ames.

Distinguished Awards Celebration: April 11 (2:15 p.m., Curtiss auditorium)

Iowa State will present its highest alumni honors during this event, sponsored by the ISU Alumni Association. For a complete list of this year's award winners, go online. The public is invited to attend.

Battle of the Bands finals: April 11 (5 p.m.-midnight, south of College of Design)

Fifteen bands will compete this year, each performing for 30 minutes. Headliner Eve 6 will wrap up the evening's festivities. Battle of the Bands is open to the public. Cost of the show is a $5 wristband, limited to ISU students, employees and alumni. Wristbands go on sale Sunday, April 6. For times and locations to purchase wristbands, go online.

Comedians Rory Albanese and John Oliver: April 11 (10 p.m., Stephens)

Stand-up comedian Rory Albanese, an Emmy-winning co-executive producer of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, will kick off a night of comedy. John Oliver, a Daily Show correspondent, will follow Albanese's performance. Oliver has performed stand-up comedy for the last seven years in the United Kingdom. He has appeared regularly at the Edinburgh Festival. Admission is free.

Veishea Parade: April 12 (10:40 a.m. until approximately 1 or 1:30 p.m., through campus)

From floats to music to candy, the annual Veishea parade is a treat for the young and young at heart. The parade will take a familiar trek, beginning on Pammel Drive heading east, turning south onto Stange Road, veering west onto Osborn Drive, turning south onto Morrill Road and finally turning east onto Union Drive, where it ends. Go online for parking and shuttle information.

Veishea Village: April 12 (noon to 4:30 p.m., primarily central campus)

More than 100 ISU and area organizations will offer fun, interactive displays. Be sure to take part in the "Club Crawl" by getting a card stamped at designated booths (cards will be available at the information booth, middle of central campus). You'll get a free T-shirt for your efforts. And don't forget to take the kids to Cy's Big Top for lots of fun and games. Game tickets are 25 cents each. Also, stop by the Village Stage between noon and 5 p.m. to enjoy performances by ISU musical groups and area bands.

Ride & Glide and Team FMX Motocross: April 12 (Molecular Biology parking lot)

Enjoy the thrills of motocross with Ride & Glide, a motocross stunt group from Tacoma, Wash., and Team FMX, a group of freestyle motocross riders who have performed internationally. FMX riders have appeared on American Choppers and Fox Sports. Ride & Glide will perform three shows -- 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, and midnight Sunday, April 13. Team FMX also will have three performances -- 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1 a.m. Sunday, April 13. Free admission.

Live @ Veishea concerts: April 12 (5 p.m., south of College of Design)

This outdoor concert offers a musical genre for just about everyone. Performers include country singer Jamie O'Neal; rhythm and blues artist Bobby Valentino; the modern rock, pop, reggae and funk sound of Congress of a Crow; and the familiar top-40 tunes of Blessid Union of Souls. Wristband ($5) required.

Mentalist Jim Karol: April 12 (9:30 p.m. and following midnight campaniling, central campus stage)

Jim Karol combines extraordinary feats of the mind with comedy and dangerous stunts in his shows. He has accurately predicted the lottery, memorized every country and capital on the planet, and knows every day of the week for every date back to 1492. He has performed on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, the Today Show and the Ellen DeGeneres Show. He also holds three Guinness World Records.