VEISHEA timeline

Daily Staff
March 31, 2011

  1. Start here for a brief history of VEISHEA …
  2. 1907 — the first May Day festival is held. This event was

    absorbed into VEISHEA in 1922, along with a St. Patrick’s day

    celebration, Home Economics Club day and an Ag Carnival.

  3. 1919 — The department of hotel, restaurant and institution

    management begins selling cherry pies as an annual fundraiser.

    These would later become associated with VEISHEA.

  4. 1922 — The first VEISHEA is held, May 11-13.
  5. The name VEISHEA was coined by professor Frank “Shorty” Paine

    to represent all of the colleges.

  6. 1924 — Moving Up Ceremonies, where freshmen burn their red

    beanies, become a tradition that lasts into the 30s.

  7. 1933 — Many VEISHEA events are canceled or restricted because

    of the Great Depression.

  8. 1935 — The first pair of swans named Lancelot and Elaine are

    gifted to the college.

  9. 1940 — The annual play is known as Stars Over VEISHEA for the

    first time.

  10. 1941 — After Pearl Harbor, the VEISHEA committee votes to

    cancel VEISHEA. A week later, the vote is overturned.

  11. 1941 — There are 90 floats in the parade, the most ever.
  12. 1941 — The Fountain of the Four Seasons is unveiled during

    VEISHEA.

  13. 1945 — During wartime, Navy review is held instead of the

    parade.

  14. 1947 — Bob Hope and Bing Crosby select the VEISHEA queen.
  15. 1952 — Duke Ellington and his band perform.
  16. 1952 — Film director Cecil B. DeMille is the grand marshall of

    the parade.

  17. 1954 — Cy the cardinal becomes Iowa State’s mascot for the

    first time.

  18. 1958 — Ronald Reagan is grand marshal and speaker.
  19. 1959 — Iowa State College becomes Iowa State University of

    Science and Technology.

  20. 1963 — The Music Man is performed for the first time

    at Stars Over VEISHEA. 

  21. The Music Man is now the most performed Stars Over

    VEISHEA play — 1963, 1985, 1998, and 2007.

  22. 1966 — John Wayne lights the VEISHEA torch.
  23. 1969 — Diana Ross and the Supremes perform.
  24. 1969 — Stars Over VEISHEA is held at the Armory for the last

    time.

  25. 1970 — Joyce Stout is chosen as the last VEISHEA queen.
  26. 1970 — The parade includes a “March of Concern” for Cambodia

    and Kent State.

  27. 1973 — Sonny and Cher perform.
  28. 1979 — Billy Joel performs.
  29. 1980 — The Who perform.
  30. 1986 — Richard McKee, general manager of the first VEISHEA,

    returns as the parade marshall.

  31. 1988 — The first VEISHEA riots occour. Coaches Johnny Orr and

    Jim Walden calm the crowds.

  32. 1993 — Taste of VEISHEA is created, in response to riots from

    the previous year.

  33. 2005 — Due to rioting and violence in 2004, VEISHEA is not held

    for the first time in 82 years. 

  34. During this time, a task force prepares an extensive report on

    improving relations between the university and community.

  35. 2006 — VEISHEA returns, with Live @ VEISHEA created as an

    alternative form of weekend entertainment.

  36. 2007 — VEISHEA is a part of the University’s 150th

    celebration.

  37. 2008 — A wristband system is implemented for Live @

    VEISHEA.

  38. 2011 — VEISHEA: A timeless tradition.