As Veishea quickly approaches, Ames residents are preparing for the role they will take in the weeklong ISU celebration.

Financially, the Ames City Council nearly doubled its commitment to Veishea’s late-night pancake feed from 2007 to 2008. In 2007, Veishea received $3,500 from the city, and this year that number has risen to $6,300.

The City Council made the decision to extend funding for the feed to include Friday night and Saturday night because the 2007 event was deemed a success. The entire feed is expected to cost approximately $20,000.

In the past, Ames residents have gotten involved with many of the events during Veishea, especially the parade, said Megan Todd, Veishea general co-chairwoman and senior in marketing. Kyle Peterson, Veishea general co-chairman and junior in marketing, said an estimated 75,000 people would show up for the parade on Saturday.

Sheila Lundt, assistant city manager, said people in the Ames community traditionally refer to Veishea as a “family-friendly” atmosphere. She said that, as a tradition, Veishea allows for alumni to revisit their college campus and talk with the current students and faculty about their experiences.

Although the traditions and events of Veishea have been viewed favorably by residents, Lundt said there is some apprehension this year.

“People are excited because they like Veishea and a lot of people in the community really genuinely support it,” Lundt said. “The concern is always if something happens; since we’ve had disturbances in the past, it creates a lot of havoc for the people that live in that area and for the businesses on Lincoln Way and Welch Avenue.”

Ginny Colville, of Ames, said she and her three children enjoy Veishea every year.

“It’s an excellent activity that the university puts on, and we’ve always enjoyed coming and doing the different activities – more than just the parade,” Colville said.

Colville said her children enjoy the sorority and fraternity activities and the inflatables on Central Campus.

Carleen Gunion, of Ames, said that despite concerns of rioting, she is going to try to attend this year’s Veishea. She said she looks forward to the parade each year. She is hopeful for a good Veishea.

“You hate to see all the violence breaking out there,” Gunion said. “And it’s too bad.”

Ashley Mullins, sophomore in elementary education, has decided to boycott the entire Veishea week because of the new wristband policy.

“My favorite part, last year, was the concerts,” Mullins said. “But I’m not going to buy a wristband.”

Alex Schiphoff, senior in kinesiology and health, is planning on attending Veishea but is worried that the wristband policy may create conflict.

“I’m afraid, with the whole wristbands thing. People may have fits about that and could potentially do some harm on campus or off campus.”

Schiphoff said the parade is his favorite event and puts Veishea in a good perspective.

“I think it’s a good thing to have once a year,” Schiphoff said. “It gets all the colleges together to celebrate, and you don’t see that too often. I think it’s a unique thing to have and it attracts many people.”