After the tassel is moved, it’s time for grads’ parties

June 6, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

By Elise Franco

Between high school commencement and college-orientation is graduation party season.

Late May well into July and sometimes August is a time where cars line neighborhood streets and big tents protect the high school graduate, family and friends from unforeseen weather elements.

Adam Cain, a 2010 Maplewood High School graduate, said he discussed with his parents whether to have his open house at home or at a banquet hall.

“We decided we wanted to have it here at home,” he said. “I think that’s what most people do.”

Cain, of Cortland, said as a graduating senior he has a responsibility to attend many open houses throughout the summer. He said it’s impossible to attend every party, so it’s crucial to narrow the list down to the most important parties.

“I attend the ones of the friends I’m most close with and talk to all the time,” he said. “I’ve been to about three already, and it’s only the first week of June. I’ll probably go to about 10 total.”

Some students may attend even more.

Richard Stevens, Lake-view High School principal, said the school offers a list to graduating seniors of their classmates’ parties.

“We look at it as kind of a community service to get that out to the senior classes, and it’s been going on for a long time,” he said. It’s as a courtesy to our seniors so everyone knows when the open houses are.”

Stevens said students’ adding their name to the list is voluntary.

“There’s nothing we do to make kids give us that information,” he said. “When you look over the history, I think the kids like it. It helps them try to coordinate with their friends for their own open houses.”

And though Cain may go to nearly a dozen open houses, he said he and his friends made a deal not to bring a gift or money when attending each others’ parties.

“We figured if we each brought $20, then that person turned around and gave $20 to each of us, we’d be coming out even anyway,” he said. “We just agreed to attend the parties and hang out together.”

Venetia Moore, also of Cortland, said she does give money at each graduation party she attends.

“I wouldn’t go to an open house without something for the graduate,” she said. “You’re showing your congratulations for a big event. I don’t know that everybody believes in that, though.”

Moore, whose daughter Alyssa Moore graduated from Lakeview High School, said the amount she gives depends on how close she is to the graduate and his or her family.

She said she’s likely to give a few more dollars to someone who is good friends with her daughter and has been around the family.

“For relatives, I’d probably give the same amount for everyone,” she said. “Really, it just depends on how close we are.”

Moore said Alyssa’s party will be at their Cortland home because it feels more like a traditional open house. She also said though she sent out invitations to family members, anyone is welcome.

“We really didn’t consider a banquet hall,” Moore said. “At home probably is more affordable because family and friends might help with food.”

David Burda, owner of Party Max in Boardman, had some advice for those planning an at-home party.

“I wish all the customers who stress out would just ask some of our people for help,” he said. “We actually suggest to people to start planning as soon as you decide the date. ... It can actually be very stress-free.”

Burda said for a party for 100 people, the average customer will spend between $120 to $200 on decorations, plates, napkins and tableware, depending on the type of products they prefer.

When it comes to open house don’ts, Cain and Moore each had a suggestion.

Cain said pigging out is a no-no, especially when you have several parties to attend in one day.

“We’ll eat a little bit at each party. We definitely won’t have four- or five-course meals at each,” he said. “Sometimes we’ll eat at one and go for dessert at the next.”

Moore said hiring a disc jockey is something she wouldn’t consider, though it’s become more popular recently.

“I don’t it’s feel is necessary for a graduation open house,” she said. “When you get a mixed generation of people, the older people don’t appreciate the loud music.

“I don’t fault anyone, it’s just not something I would do.”