Flyby Review: #HarvardOasis

Over the past two weeks or so, students have been inundated with a stream of cryptic messages about summer, sunshine, the beach, warmth, and other things we forgot existed after the third foot of snow accumulated at our doorsteps. We saw photos of people lounging in deck chairs outside the Science Center, with the hashtag #harvardoasis. We were invited to the Facebook event: #harvardoasis. We received emails about it: #harvardoasis. We knew this was a big deal—but that was about it. Thanks to our sources, we at Flyby divulged some juicy tidbits beforehand, but nothing could have prepared us for the actual event that was Harvard Oasis.

Decorations

Wait. Is this even the Science Center? Its usual nondescript walls and hallways were transformed into a summer haven, resplendent with depictions of sharks, fish, and surfboards. Lifeguard chairs and round life preservers lined the walls. The space itself was adorned with festive tiki torches and comfortable beach furniture. The sound of running water filled the air as water gurgled from rock-decorated fountains. Bright lights illuminated the coral sculptures, leafy tropical plants, and seashells lining the perimeter. Needless to say, the decorations were truly something else.

Ambience

It may have still been fairly chilly outside, and most people were wearing winter jackets and boots, but the atmosphere was unmistakably summertime. Some people were wearing luaus and tossing around inflatable beach balls, while others were lounging about on the white deck chairs set amidst abundant leafy vegetation. Some were watching Finding Nemo inside a lecture hall, and others were playing ping pong or shuffleboard. Live music filled the air, and for one hour—or however long you chose to stay there—it seemed like it was finally summer.

Food

You really can’t go wrong with mac n’ cheese, ribs, potato salad, cole slaw, hot dogs, and pulled pork burgers. This is food for the soul. It’s delicious, it’s filling, and it reminds you of the beach and backyard barbeques in deliciously warm summer evening air—even though you’re actually just sitting on a couch in the Science Center. The root beer floats and scrumptious fruit smoothies further enhanced the tropical and beachy feel of this entire event. And to top it off, there was even cotton candy. Cotton. Candy. The sight of college students enjoying blue mounds of spun sugar is surely enough to bring cheerfulness and thoughts of summertime to anyone’s heart.

Turnout

Fantastic. It seemed like everyone was at Harvard Oasis. The Science Center was absolutely packed, and everyone seemed to be having a genuinely great time.

Overall

A resounding success. Thanks to the Office of the Dean of Student Life, the Undergraduate Council, Harvard College Events Board and the Office of the Dean of Harvard College for all their hard work in making such an amazing event possible. A great break from midterm season, and a fantastic reminder that summer is on its way!