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The State News: MSU Party History

By darciemoran6

  • MSU's beginning

    MSU was founded with the creation of the Agricultural College of the State of Michigan on February 12, 1855.
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    MSU's first students party

    Excavations by the Campus Archaeology Program have determined that students from the 1850s to the 1900s acted similarly to college students of today.
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    Cedar Fest transforms into riot

    Cedar Fest makes the transition from a friendly block party to a riotous event.
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    Cedar Fest is banned

    An Ingham County Circuit judge issued a restraining order banning the event. Under the order, those caught participating in or organizing Cedar Fest could be charged with a felony contempt of court and fined or jailed.

  • Cedar Fest '89

    On the weekend of October 15, 1989, Cedar Street saw 30-foot flames from bonfires surrounded by more than 3,000 people.

  • Cedar Fest '99

    About 7,000 rioters lit fires through out MSU and East Lansing following a Spartan basketball loss to Duke. Cars were overturned and police sprayed tear gas for over an hour.

  • Community task force

    Following distrubances such as Cedar Fest, plans are put in motion to create the Community Relations Coalition, the MSU- East Lansing Celebrations Committee and other efforts to diminish riots, mend MSU- East Lansing relations and promote safe partying.

  • New Noise Ordinance put in place

    A new ordiance was enacted allowing East Lansing police to enforce noise violations as a misdemeanor, carrying penalties of a $1,000 fine and three nights in jail. Police no longer have to wait for someone to complain in order to enforce the noice violation ordinance.

  • Cedar Fest '05

    Police launched tear gas within the first 15 minutes of a crowd forming in the streets following a Spartan basketball loss in the Final Four. About 299 canisters of tear gas were launched.

  • Last "Cedar Fest" occurs

    The last riot considered to be a Cedar Fest takes place. Twenty-four smoke grenades, 20 flash-bang grenades, 20 stingball grenades and 13 rounds of tear gas are utlized to subdue crowds.

  • New keg law takes effect

    Keg lawKeg law is put in place requiring buyers to identify themselves by name, address, phone number and driver’s license number on the keg itself.