By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
Masks, music and mingling filled The Lokal on Wednesday as the Interfraternity Council hosted a masquerade ball for Fort Hays State University Greek Life. The event brought together members from across chapters for a night of connection, celebration and fraternity and sorority unity.
The idea for the event stemmed from student interest in hosting a Valentine-themed gathering for Greek Life. In past years, social events around the holiday have been limited, prompting members to look for a new way to celebrate. Rather than organizing a traditional dance, the Interfraternity Council opted for a masquerade theme to make the evening feel more formal and unique while still keeping the atmosphere fun and welcoming for all attendees.
“People wanted a Valentine’s dance, so we thought a masquerade ball would be a fun way to accomplish that need,” said Hunter Taphorn.
In addition to celebrating the holiday, the council wanted to create a space that encouraged interaction across chapters. Greek Life often hosts events centered around recruitment, philanthropy and chapter-specific activities, but fewer events are designed purely for social connection between organizations. Leaders hoped the masquerade ball would offer members an opportunity to step outside their usual circles and meet new people in a relaxed setting.
“The goal was to have a fun, interactive space that students could meet members from other chapters while having a good time,” Taphorn said.
For many members, the event also served as a break from the busy schedule that comes with Greek Life involvement. Recruitment events, fundraisers and meetings can fill much of the semester, leaving limited time for casual social interaction across chapters. By hosting the ball at an off-campus venue and allowing members to bring a guest, the council aimed to make the event feel open and inclusive rather than exclusive or high-pressure.
“We could all come together outside of rush, fundraising and all the other chaos and just have a good time,” Taphorn said.
Although the event itself ran smoothly, the planning process was intentionally simple. Organizers worked quickly to secure a venue and settle on a theme, focusing more on creating an enjoyable atmosphere than on extensive programming. Even smaller-scale events still require logistical considerations, such as coordinating with the venue and ensuring students understand the details of attendance.
According to Taphorn, organizing the masquerade ball took “a little under 10 minutes.” However, there were still minor obstacles along the way.
“The biggest challenge was just reserving The Lokal,” he said. “Some people also thought they had to have a date to attend.”
Attendance did not fully meet organizers’ expectations, which Taphorn attributed largely to limited promotion. Some students may not have been aware of the event or may have misunderstood its format. Despite the lower turnout, those who attended gave positive feedback and enjoyed the opportunity to socialize in a setting different from typical Greek events.
“It was said that it wasn’t advertised enough, which is mostly our fault,” Taphorn said. “But everyone who attended had a great time, so I’m sure if we do this next year, it will be a much bigger turnout.”
While no final decision has been made on whether to repeat the event, the response from attendees has led organizers to consider making it a recurring tradition. If brought back next year, increased advertising and clearer communication about the event’s format could help boost attendance and build on this year’s foundation.