After a few steps into the room, it would be quick to realize that the Northern Center Ballrooms were made almost entirely unrecognizable. The sense of nostalgia and energy created the perfect setting for students to dust off their putting skills at glow-in-the-dark mini golf.

On Thursday, March 27, Special Events hosted the “Neon Par-Tee,” a free experience for students to enjoy mini golf with their friends. Students started flooding into the ballrooms, filled with excitement and friendly competitive energy that was nearly buzzing off the walls.

An event pulled from the archives of Special Events, students were thrilled to see a fresh activity brought to NMU’s campus. This sense of excitement was not only felt by students but shared by Special Events staff as well.

The event took place from 5 to 9 p.m., offering more than enough time for students to come in and out, passing from dinner or class and getting a few putts in with friends.

This was an immersive experience that was well worth the wait, as the entire room was darkened, with the exception of the neon lights that created the course itself, and the glow-in-the-dark golf balls students used to attempt their hole-in-ones.

“It provides students the opportunity to do different kinds of things for free. It’s also just a fun way for students to de-stress and bond with their friends and potential organizations,” student Rosalva Brito said.

Getting off campus or having the financial opportunity to participate in mini golf is not something that is always in the cards for college students. NMU’s Special Events makes continued efforts with student feedback to bring the fun to them, and time and time again, they bring another smash hit to campus.

Students, even if they were just there to keep their friends company, were welcome to leave the event with a goody bag in hand. The adorable winter-themed tote bags were filled with festive goodies, including a travel mug filled with hot cocoa mix, a winter hat and stickers.

Yet another community-fostering event leaves students smiling. If you were not able to make it to this “par-tee,” there is always something brewing in Special Events, so keep an eye out on the Hub for what’s next.