Magdalene Krzeczkowski
Staff Writer
Hobbits, elves, ringwraiths and more gathered in the JC pavilion on Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. for a jolly hobbit party in honor of Bilbo Baggins’ birthday hosted by the Tolkien Society.
Celtic and swing music played throughout the evening, and costumed and non-costumed alike mingled on the dance floor. Swing was the most prevalent dancing style, but iconic songs such as “Cotton-Eyed Joe” and the “Virginia Reel” made an appearance.
A costume contest was held awarding first prize to John DuPont, a junior history major, who dressed as J.R.R. Tolkien himself, pipe and all. The second prize was given to freshman nursing student Noelle Radzialowski, dressed as Lady Arwen Evenstar.
Freshman theology major Sophia Kemner and senior philosophy major Lillian Gandell, both dressed as Rosie Cotton, tied for the third prize as they were evenly matched not only in costume but also in knowledge of their character.
An honorable mention award was bestowed to Frankie the Orc-Eater, a large stuffed spider, receiving the highest score as the great-grandson of Shelob. His handler, freshman philosophy major John-Paul Chamblee, also received recognition on behalf of Frankie.
Midway through the evening, party-goers gathered to sing happy birthday to Bilbo, and an eleventy-first birthday cake was cut in his honor.
Although the ringwraiths were unable to resist chasing the hobbits on numerous occasions, for the most part, the races mingled peaceably in honor of J.R.R. Tolkien and his hero of Middle Earth.