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Congress at Sunset

by Samantha Fede
You’ve read about the exciting tournament action. You’ve watched the top boards and streamed the commentary. You’ve heard of the simuls and game commentaries and lectures. But Go Congress is about more than just the game. It’s a place to make new friends and see old ones. That may sound corny, but it’s the reason that I come back year after year. This year is shaping up to be a particularly relaxing experience. Congress Director Dave Weimer did an excellent job selecting an amazing lake-front venue. The first floor of the Memorial Union, where most of the Congress activities take place, includes Der Rathskeller (German for “basement of a town hall”).

 Decorated like a German beer hall, this sprawling venue spills out onto a terrace overlooking sparkling Lake Mendota . After the opening ceremony Saturday night, many attendees joined the crowd of locals to cluster around tables and pitchers of local beer. I sat with some old friends, like Congress Coordinator Lisa Scott and Brady Daniels of “Brady’s Blunders,” as well as new friends like Congress IT volunteer Greg Steltenpohl and first-time attendee Max Peterson. We watched the spectacular sunset turn the sky pink and purple while live music played on the waterfront stage. As it got dark, Jennie Shen 2p observed fireflies flicker around the trees and friends finishing the 9x9 tournament pulled up chairs. The day had been hot, but a cool breeze off the water made us forget any lingering worries. Every year, each Congress location has its charms; this year is downright magical.