TGIS celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024
On April 4 through 6, 1974, Elizabethtown College hosted its first Thank Goodness It’s Spring (TGIS) celebration, which became an annual tradition that continues to this day.
The first event was sponsored by the Special Events Committee, now the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and featured the cancellation of Friday afternoon classes, a donkey baseball game, a concert, and the nomination of a King and Queen. The first TGIS was presented as a replacement for former May Day celebrations.
The weekend started with a four-hour rock concert by three rock groups, Cactus, Bloodrock, and Eden on Thursday, April 4. On Friday, April 5, campus painters participated in a window painting contest in the windows of Elizabethtown businesses. The day ended with a picnic in the Dell, where students would also begin the day on Saturday, April 6 with breakfast.
Saturday’s festivities continued with a bicycle rally and a student carnival featuring clubs and organizations. In the evening, there was a cabaret show with professional and student talent, followed by a formal dinner and a formal dance.
Etown marked the 50th anniversary of TGIS in 2024 with a celebration that included free t-shirts, yard games, a petting zoo, and other activities.
This year’s TGIS celebration will be held on the weekend of April 26.
Throughout Elizabethtown College’s 125th anniversary year, follow along as we share 125 compelling stories about the College’s defining moments, alumni stories, and fun facts since our founding in 1899 at etown.edu.