Ig-Nite

Ig-Nite  The evening of the annual IG festival

It was the Christmas season of 1980 when I was a Junior in High School. A number of my friends and I had known each other since Junior High and were set to be the Springdale High School graduating class of 1982. We were all very involved in the same church. A common hangout was at Fred Pearrow’s house or at the athletic club racquetball courts of which Fred’s dad, Edwin was a member. The closest we got to technology outside of school was Galaga, Pac Man or Space Invaders at the Sobriety Sarsaparilla, the local arcade of that time. Computers and cell phones weren’t around yet.

How Ig-Nite Began

We were out of school for Christmas break, and it was the eve of Christmas Eve. Fred, and another friend, Bob Robertson were bored and started to discuss how there was always a celebration on Christmas Eve, and of course Christmas, but on the day before, nothing. They agreed that another holiday needed to fill the gap. Earlier that day, one of them had read the daily comic strip, one of which was called B.C. The Character, B.C. had sought out wisdom from Wiley’s dictionary rock. The word he was looking at was ignite. The definition was, Ig-nite: The evening of the annual IG festival. After reading that, December, 23 will always be known to some as Ig Nite. Okay, so now there was a name, but what was an Ig supposed to be? They solved the Ig puzzle later. A song was needed, but that came easy, because Bob, being a dedicated trumpet player in the band had recently completed a song project for a music theory class. It was simple and a little quirky, but it sufficed. They figured they could celebrate it by reconstructing everything they did that day, and it would become part of the “Ig Nite” celebration. They ate at McDonald’s. They went Christmas caroling, and they had a snack party at the Pearrow’s house that evening inviting David Sarratt, myself, and a number of our other friends from our youth group at church. Before the party, they tried some of the snacks Fred’s mom, Jean had been making. There was a round, crunchy, peanut butter tasting type of cookie, and they asked Fred’s mom what it was called. She said she didn’t really know, she just called them peanut butter balls. They agreed at once that was what an Ig would be.

Continuing the Tradition

We had a lot of fun that night celebrating an excellent excuse to be together. As goofy as it all may have seemed, Fred’s parents prepared for and supported it 200%. I remember thinking it was pretty amazing for them to go to all the trouble of preparing and baking the food and inviting a group of loud hungry teenagers into their home to celebrate some made-up holiday, but I’ll never forget it. Actually, it is rather hard to forget, because as I write this, today is our 39^th year of celebrating Ig Nite. As has been for the last 38 years, it will take place at Edwin and Jean Pearrow’s house in Springdale, Arkansas. We’ll see our friends, their wives, and kids, maybe even some grandkids this year. The house barely holds all of us now, and still, songs will be sung, bonds of friendship will continue, igs will be eaten, and love will be strong.

Starting Your Own Unique Traditions

Some memories should become celebrations for years to come. What memories have you not only brought with you but continue to actively make a part of your life? Some memories are to keep in your mind and your heart and learn from. Others are meant to be acted out and experienced again and again.  Are there some special moments in your or your family’s life that need to be revisited? This Christmas may be a good time to re-connect with your old friends and/or family. Maybe you need to start a new tradition, a new gathering of those you love. Go out and make it happen. Grab hold of your own Ig Nite! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Happy Ig Nite!!!

Dedicated to a very special Ig Nite attendee who has passed from this life into eternity.

Mrs. Peggy Bennett

We love and miss you.