Oberlin is not known for being normal. Even after a decade and a half, Drag Ball is still going strong; the 2006 fiesta went off without a hitch. Doors opened at 9:30 p.m. to an unrecognizable Wilder. Students crowded the main lobby in anticipation of this year’s party, themed as “Pandora’s Box.” Lights, dance floors, runways and decorations had transformed Wilder into four floors of partying. Pretty much every room was taken over. The hullabaloo cost top dollar, ringing up at over 28,000 dollars, and it showed.

The ’Sco was turned into a hip-hop club, the Rathskeller was a coat room, the lobby was infested with ’80s music, room 115 was a café, the Décafé was a karaoke bar, and in case of any problems, the Peace Keepers could be found in room 204. The Peace Keepers, trained Oberlin students, also spent the night running around making sure everyone was having a safe time.

Then came the costumes. Where does one begin? Virtually, it was like walking onto another college campus. It was difficult to recognize anyone at all — you could walk past good friends done up (or down) in drag without realizing it. This was really impressive; there were professional drag queens present, but Oberlin students themselves rose to the occasion like it was their impassioned job.

No more of those half-assed spirit days in high school — this was the real deal. Wigs and bras, hats and pants. Make-up, no make-up, too much make-up. Every time you turned around, there was something new to see. (And by new, think about this: Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean was in attendance.)

But of course, the main event of the night was the drag queen competition, hosted by drag queen Paige Turner, Miss Tri-State Continental Plus 2006. The competition consisted of a mix of Oberlin students and professional queens and kings, lasting for a couple of hours.

“I hope everyone that didn’t make it this year does in 2007, because this is one experience they can’t pass up,” said first-year Scott McInerney. He participated in a skit dressed in full drag and said he had an amazing time even though his wig fell off mid-skit.

Turner kept the massive crowd excited, shouting, “Who all out there is horny right now?” and “How many straight people are with us tonight?” The show was entertaining and definitely draws people to the event year after year. The only problem — Wilder’s main lobby becomes overcrowded, sometimes making it difficult to see things.

Junior Caribeth Klemundt and senior Diona Reasonover took the throne as Queen and King. The cash prize for first place was 200 dollars this year.

“Drag Ball was fabulous this year,” said coordinator senior Andrew Monk. He was very happy with how it went. “It was much smoother than last year and totally amazing.”

As a first-year, there was nothing to compare the experience to. Literally, nothing — where else are varsity football players dressed up in glittery makeup as foxy thangs in short skirts and tank tops? Drag Ball surpassed all expectations. The dancing was off the wall and the drag show was hilariously entertaining. Just five days later, people are already brainstorming next year’s outfits, maybe in hopes of competition glory or just wicked fun.