Last Friday evening, students, faculty and the community gathered together to enjoy the 27th Annual All-Niter. The event, called “UTM Goes Hollywood,” was sponsored by the Student Activities Council and Campus Recreation. Students and others were able to enter into the Skyhawk Arena on an actual “red carpet” passing by two stretch limousines all adding to the Hollywood theme. “The SAC and Campus Recreation supervisor staff worked together to come up with the theme,” said Gina Warren, director of Campus Recreation. “SAC and Campus Rec. have been planning the event since late November.”

The theme brought new activities to the night, which began with a celebrity look-alike contest. Cash prizes were awarded for first, second, and third place. First place was awarded to Katie Hausauer, a mimicking Julia Stiles, who won $100. Coming in second, and winning $50 as “50” Cent, was Karl McGowan. Third place was awarded to Lenna and Laura Ashbridge for their portrayal of the Olsen Twins.

Other entertainment such as making karaoke videos, laser tag, the “Giant Twister” carnival ride, and the famous climbing wall were enjoyed by all. The Domino’s Pizza Eating Contest and ‘UTM Casino’ were among other activities that SAC and Campus Rec. brought back once again. Amy Hedstrom, a junior Political Science and Fine and Performing Arts major from Mt. Juliet, won first prize during the pizza contest. She will be awarded a free pizza from Domino’s once a week for the remainder of the spring semester.

The casino area was once again a big hit where only UTM students were allowed. Although it is totally for fun, students find the casino games such as blackjack, craps, the slot machines, and roulette the most fun activity to get involved in at the All-Niter. “The casino at the All-Niter gives students the opportunity to do something that is just for them. I would say that it is one of most entertaining events of the night,” said Jimmy Connor, a sophomore Turf Management major from Memphis.

Melvin Isabel won a DVD player for the most winnings in the casino area.

After all games and rides came to an end, students gathered around to enjoy the talents of Hypnotist and Comedian Dale K. He dazzled the audience with his entertaining hypnosis show.

Students became exotic dancers, pregnant men, and one student was made to believe he was the first male ever to menstruate.

Over 1,000 spectators attended the All-Niter, all of whom were in the drawing to win several prizes, including DVD players, a digital camera, and an X-Box among others.