Periscope

Issue date: 9/11/09 Section: Features

Media Credit: Hannah Strength

Noticed white tablecloths or bed sheets missing from dorms over the weekend? There's a large possibility that they can be found in photos on Facebook or Myspace wrapped around friends and familiar faces.

These students strutted around in Roman pomp and luxury at The Forum near Broad Street over Labor Day weekend.

Last Saturday, Sept. 5, Rome's downtown Development hosted a toga party to celebrate Rome's 175th birthday.

"A Toga party is a great celebration for this town. It fits Rome perfectly," said student Emily Burns.

Rome attempted to break the Guiness World Record for the largest toga party ever, which currently belongs to the 2166 citizens of Cottage Grove, Ore. Cottage Grove is where the movie "Animal House," known for the toga party scene, was filmed.

However, all was not lost. Rome broke the Georgia record for the largest toga party.

To qualify for the party, locals had to wear a white toga and had to be at The Forum between 1 and 4 p.m.

All ages came out to celebrate the eventful day and even some of our fellow Shorter students.

"There were about 50 Shorter students--not as many as I would have hoped for," said junior Chelsea Blair.

The Northwest Georgia Blue's Brothers band among others provided entertainment for the event.

"They weaved in and out of the crowd, involving the audience in their performance. They were very entertaining," said senior Dandi Ammons.

Festivities continued over the weekend, including a concert at the Levee and fireworks at the Clocktower.

To find out more about Rome's history, visit RN-T.com to view "Roman Roots: 175 years in your hands," a Rome News-Tribune multimedia production.

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