After months of work, the official start of Veishea is upon us.

The 510 students on Veishea committees and sub-committees and the hundreds of other students who are organizing parade entries, open houses and other events are anticipating a memorable weekend.

In order for this to happen, your participation is crucial.

We encourage all ISU students to come out and enjoy the weekend by attending as many events as possible.

You can celebrate Iowa State University and its 77-year-old tradition by participating in tournaments, helping your club’s open house display, eating turkey legs at Taste of Veishea, cheering on your favorite float in the parade or laughing at the comedy of David Chappelle.

These are just a few of the events that have been planned to educate and entertain during Veishea 1999.

Opening ceremonies begin at 5 p.m. on Friday with Cyclone women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly giving the keynote address.

This also begins the start of the “48 Hour Pledge” that the student body has committed to upholding. Veishea is a student-run event in many, many ways, from the planning of individual events to the efforts every student makes to make Veishea a safe celebration.

Veishea 1998 was a success because of Iowa State students. As co-chairs of Veishea 1999, we deeply appreciate the commitment that Iowa State students showed last year.

We are confident that students will once again help ensure a bright future for Veishea.

Scott DeSotel

Aimee Lee

1999 Veishea general co-chairs