Varieties participants performed their final shows for Sweepstakes this weekend. Judging occurred on Friday night, with a follow-up show and awards ceremony on Saturday, all in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union.

Coming in first place at this years competition was “A Picture’s Worth 1,000 Words,” performed by Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, Delta Delta Delta and Chi Omega.

“When the final awards were confirmed, everyone lost it,” said Abhi Pant, co-chair for Sigma Phi Epsilon. “It was especially exciting for us. Sig Eps has been building up in Varieties for years, starting with just a few people a couple years back, to getting second place last year to finally winning it this year. It was amazing to finally have all our hard work pay off.”

“It was a fantastic show,” said Caleb Evers, junior in French. “This was my first year attending Varieties, and it seemed like everyone, including the audience, really got into the shows and had a great time.”

Coming in second was “Caught in a Pickle” performed by Farmhouse, Fiji, Sigma Kappa and Kappa Alpha Theta. Bringing in third was “Tweet: The Musical,” performed by Kappa Kappa Gamma, Acacia, Delta Tau Delta and Alpha Delta Pi.

Varieties has been a showcase for greek and non-greek students to display their talents for over 80 years at Iowa State.

The competition features both “mini musicals” that have original choreography and lyrics as well as vignettes, which are shorter acts consisting of any type of talent that a student would like to perform.

Students have been participating in Varieties since 1931 when it was created as a chance for students to find some entertainment during the Great Depression.

The competition has seen many changes over the years, but throughout the changes students continue to take part in the hopes of taking home the “Sweepstakes Trophy.”