by Allison McLean, Online Editor
Although the night was dark and stormy in Chattanooga, Tenn. last Saturday, March 28, the atmosphere was anything but turbulent inside the walls of the Southern Belle Riverboat as students, music, and poker filled the three story boat for Student Government Association (SGA) Events Council’s Midnight Cruise.
“I really enjoyed the whole atmosphere created with the professional dealers, tables, and live music. It was an awesome experience,” said sophomore Aaron Heidorn.
Although the boat never left the harbor, as intended, because the captain of the boat decided that the winds were too high that night, students entered the ship and were given a bag full of poker chips and from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. they were mingled with fellow classmates, played poker or snacked.
“The cookie dough and graham crackers were a big hit,” said sophomore Sarah Becker
Those both playing poker either participated in the low bidding games, such as Caribbean stud, on the first floor amidst loud music that pulsed through the black lit interior, or they took part in games such as black jack and Texas hold’em on the second floor, which was nominated the “high roller” floor.
The high roller floor was more “low key” than the party floor, with low lights and live jazz music.
“The live jazz music made the atmosphere,” Senior and Vice-President for Off-Campus Events Ben Johnson said.
The jazz band was coordinated by sophomore Josh Jones and included senior Phillip Kohler, juniors Thomas Smith, Elise Bacon and Allison McLean, sophomore Billy Findley, freshman Molly Green and Thomas Smith’s brother, Zac Smith
Johnson explained that the events council did not intend for the high roller floor to be a larger bidding room, but when Johnson went to count the chips at the end of the night, those on the top floor won larger amounts than those on the lower deck.
Although there was no gambling-for Johnson explained that the Office of Student Life approved their idea, saying that gambling meant “using money”-there was, however, prizes for those who won the most chips.
First place winner was senior Ben Young with $58,000 worth of chips, who won a $25 gift card to Harmony House. Second place winner was sophomore Lauren Twombly with $35,000 worth of chips, who won a two Sonic gift cards. And third place winner was senior Anna Downer with $23,000 worth of chips.
“I think this was a great event because it brought out a diverse group of people. But everyone was playing the same thing and enjoying it and each other,” said senior Ben Johnson.