Students looking to party hard tonight, minus the booze, can head straight for the rec center. In its sixth year, “Roc Da Rec” is an open invitation to celebrate Veishea with a bunch of activities such as dancing, games and live entertainment.

The Inter-Residence Hall Association is teaming up with Contemporary Contests, a fund-raiser for the event, to bring ISU, high school students and visitors to Ames a fun-filled, alcohol-free evening.

Nathan Schramm, co-chair for Roc Da Rec, said highlights include a casino-style environment, a video-dance party and various contests. Also, the national-touring hypnotist Raven will put on a show at 8 p.m.

Schramm said Roc Da Rec originated after the 1991 Veishea riots to give party-goers a safer alternative for the Friday night festivities.

“It gives people who aren’t old enough to get in the bars or those who don’t want to participate in alcoholic activities something to do,” Schramm said.

The evening also is a great way to incorporate IRHA with Veishea, he said.

Adding to the excitement will be performances by the drumline ISU Groove and members of the pom and cheer squads.

He said raffles for prizes will take place every hour. Winners of casino games and the three-point basketball and free-throw contests can earn additional raffle tickets, as well. Organizers will serve free refreshments throughout the evening.

Schramm noted that Roc Da Rec seems to attract more people each year.

“Last year’s crowd doubled from the year before,” he said. “We’re hoping for even more this year.

“ISU students, especially residence hall people, make up the biggest crowd, so we’re hoping for more guests and high school students,” he said.

Doors open at 7 p.m. in the Lied Recreational Athletic Center, and the party will last until 2 a.m. Admission is $3.