Before all the Iowa State University Board and Veishea committee members finish patting themselves on the back over the relative success of this year’s celebration, I believe they need to take a second look at something.

In December of 1992, a task force appointed by Martin Jischke suggested moving Veishea to late April.

Holding Veishea in late April may or may not contribute to reducing the violence that has plagued the event in the past.

It does increase the chances of families having to watch the Veishea parade in colder weather or on TV as I had to do with my children this year.

When that happens, the winners are the troublemakers of past Veishea celebrations, and the losers are the Iowa State alumni who bring their families to Ames every year to try to enjoy a parade without winter coats and thermal underwear.

There are enough solutions on the menu to take care of Veishea disturbances without moving the event earlier in the year. Let’s keep Veishea a spring celebration and move it back to the first weekend in May.

Benjamin Furleigh

Alumnus

Clear Lake