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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (April 3, 2019) — It is no ordinary day at Milligan. Today, April 3, the college celebrates its 50th “Wonderful Wednesday.”
Classes for traditional undergraduates have been canceled for the day, and a variety of social activities, including a professionally-produced fireworks display, inflatables and water slide, have been planned for the college’s annual surprise holiday.
This tradition began on April 30, 1969. On that morning, Milligan students were surprised to discover a slip of paper under their doors announcing that classes were canceled and students were to report to the chapel. There, former Milligan President Jess Johnson unrolled and read from a large scroll, declaring that classes were canceled for “Wonderful Wednesday.” The first “Wonderful Wednesday” included games, square dancing, singing, picnics and ice cream.
Milligan has continued the tradition every year, although the holiday does not always fall on a Wednesday. A veil of secrecy surrounds the exact date and theme of the surprise holiday each year. Milligan’s Campus Activities Board plans the day’s events.
This year’s theme is “Return to Neverland.”
“This may be the most anticipated day of the school year for our students,” said Jason Onks, director of campus activities. “The day is packed with activities, games and special food leading up to a fireworks display at night. It’s a great way for students to take the mental break they need just before the final push to the end of the semester.”
Many events are scheduled throughout the day, weather permitting:
- Brunch at the McCormick Dining Center in Sutton Hall
- Scavenger hunt across the main campus
- Dodgeball near Pardee Hall
- Inflatables near the Gregory Center
- Water slide at Buffalo Creek
- Food trucks near Hardin Hall
- Trivia in the McMahan Student Center
- Volleyball behind Hart Hall
- 50th birthday cake at the McCormick Dining Center in Sutton Hall
- Bubble soccer in the Steve Lacy Fieldhouse
- Fireworks and movie at night