More than 20 tired Uni students managed to get themselves to school by 7 a.m. on a Saturday — but why? The annual IMEA District III Music Festival, of course. This past Saturday, hundreds of student musicians gathered at Illinois State University to perform. Katy Metcalf, a violist in the district orchestra, tells her story of the event.

School dances offer the opportunity for students to take a more unique route with their clothing options. Some choose to throw on a simple shirt and jeans, while others decide to add a little flair. Kahlilah Cooke takes us back to the most recent Uni dance for a look at what some of us were wearing.

On Thursday, Nov. 20, at 10:32 p.m., Lauren and Lor ventured into the depths of the Savoy 16 to learn firsthand about the curious rituals of those commonly known as "Twi-hards." Dressed in Edward Cullen T-shirts, the two were out late on a school night to experience the phenomenon of "Twilight"'s opening night.

Fall is here at last, and what better way to spend a crisp autumn day than to enjoy C-U's own Curtis Orchard? The 80-acre entertainment farm features 5,000 apple trees and 20 acres of pumpkins. Throw in a children's play area, the Flying Monkey Café, a country store, and an on-site bakery, and you've got a place that's definitely worth a visit, as Chris Yoder and Danny Ge found out.

Looking for a place where you can relax and get a delicious bite to eat? Eleni Yannelis and Katy Metcalf have just the place for you: Cakes on Walnut. Carrie Bradshaw's favorite New York bakery, Magnolia, has nothing on this downtown C-U treasure. Well, maybe a little, but you'll get the point when you read Eleni and Katy's review.

Uni's third annual Cultural Fair was a huge success, and Gargoyle photographers were there to capture the fun. In their first photo essay, they covered the fair's cultural and culinary delights. In this second and final photo essay, they chronicle the day's entertainment, including African drumming, step dancing, and hip-hop music.

The third annual Uni High Cultural Fair took place on a mild and sunny Oct. 3. Featuring dishes from dozens of ethnic booths and a wide array of music, dance, and art, the celebration was a huge success. Participants came away with satisfied stomachs and a new appreciation for the diversity that exists in our community.

With one week left before Halloween, 'tis the season to be frightened. And what better way to get into the spirit of things than to visit a first-rate haunted house? Lizzy Warner did just that, venturing up to Rantoul to get the daylights scared out of her at the Fear Factory. Check out all the gory details inside.

For two hours on Oct. 3, the Uni community joined together in a celebration of diversity and difference as the school hosted its third annual Cultural Fair. In this first of two photo essays, the OG looks at the many booths that made the fair such a success. In our second photo essay, we'll highlight the day's entertainment.

Diana Liu first noticed the practitioners of pencil twirling back in middle school. By her freshman year at Uni, they seemed to be everywhere. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't seem to get the hang of it herself. But then she encountered the wisdom of twirling expert Tuli Bera, and her world changed. Be sure to check out the audio slideshow that accompanies Diana's article.

After weeks of planning and days of counting down, Uni High's third annual Cultural Fair is just a few hours away. The event will take place outside Uni Gym from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. The festivities will feature 30 booths, rapper Krukid, the Alpha Phi Alpha Step Team, and other attractions.

Last year's Cultural Fair had Uni students, parents, and staff dancing in the street thanks to the U of I Center for African Studies' Mara-Giri Project and other entertainers. Expect this year's lineup to get people moving as well. Among the highlights: Ugandan rapper Krukid and the Alpha Phi Alpha Step Team.

There's going to be a lot to pack into just two hours on Friday as the third annual Uni High Cultural Fair takes over Uni Gym and nearby Stoughton Street. Aramael Pena-Alcantara has some suggestions for how you can plan your midday festivities. Come on in and take a look.

The countdown to the third annual Cultural Fair continues, but there are a few more items that organizers need before the Friday extravaganza kicks off. Check inside for an update as Uni High gets ready for a memorable midday break of food, entertainment, conversation, and cultural diversity.