Every Thursday night, students travel down a long stretch of backroads to make a treacherous journey through a two-track for a weekly event known as “The Lines.”
Around 9 p.m. on Thursdays, students and community members risk their vehicles getting stuck in the mud to partake in a traditional backwoods bonfire that has been going on for almost 40 years. Despite the rugged appearance of the trails and dark forest, “The Lines” are transformed into a vibrant scene where the atmosphere buzzes with excitement and camaraderie.
Amid the Michigan outdoors, the fire is hosted underneath an array of powerlines, where the name of the gathering originates from. Country music and classic rock and roll fill the air as the raging fire and night sky illuminate the wooded area. Due to the high potential of transportation getting glued within the sand and mud, it isn’t recommended to travel there unless your vehicle has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Ferris construction management alumnus Jaden Riley provided insight into The Line’s history. He was fortunate to have met with the group whose collective spirit laid down the foundations of what “The Lines” are today.
“The Lines” was started in 1984 by a group of college students and townies who came together to start something anyone and everyone in the community was welcome to,” Riley said. “The reason the party began on Thursday nights is because back then, the university wasn’t open on Fridays. The weekend started on Thursdays, so everyone would come out here to have a bonfire and have a good time.”
“The Lines” is an event that embodies the spirit of Michiganders. The sense of community and local pride that comes out once a week for this gathering is unmatched, as over 100 students and locals show up to participate. Riley continues to show support for the Lines even after graduating due to the patriotic atmosphere.
“This is the experience of what it is to be an American. This represents our freedom because we are all able to come out here to enjoy the sense of nature and living,” Riley said. “This is a culture and it is the type of party where there isn’t an invite list. The more people and new faces that show up the better and without all of them, this tradition wouldn’t be alive today.”
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration freshman Daniel Zandi has attended the Lines since his first week of college. One of the most memorable experiences he and his friends have had at the Lines is rescuing someone’s car buried in the dirt. One of the issues goers of “The Lines” have faced is vehicles getting stuck in the middle of the trail, which blocks the entry and exit. Zandi mentioned how instances like that can potentially be dangerous, and a way to prevent that is ride-sharing.
“Many people underestimate the trails and assume it’s accessible for everyone,” Zandi said. “It’s a welcoming place for everyone but I must say, if your vehicle doesn’t at least have four-wheel drive, I’d recommend finding a ride.” Zandi enjoys going to the Lines as he describes it as a place to go for fun while still being able to relax. He has met many new friends while attending the Lines and continues to go for the new thrills each week brings.
“It’s one of the coolest things that I’ve done since coming to Ferris, and it’s why I go back,” Zandi said. “You take this awesome dirt road up here which is always a nice time. There’s also the huge bonfire and lots of unique cars and trucks. I think the main reason people keep coming back here is for the homey atmosphere.”
Business and administration sophomore Connor Krolczyk has been making his appearance at “The Lines” since he started school at Ferris. He grew up in a small town where events similar to the Lines were common so he attends for the sense of nostalgia and good times.
“It’s the place to be on Thursday nights,” Krolczyk said. “It’s the type of thing that you can’t miss out on because it’s a ceremonial way to start the weekend.”
Krolcyzk and his friends try to take care of the area after the gathering is over by bringing left-behind trash to designated areas. He highlighted the importance of respecting regulations set by the Department of Natural Resources and making responsible decisions.
“People are worried about getting in trouble with law enforcement because of the burn bans but as long as we follow those, no one out here is doing anything wrong,” Krolczyk said. “Whatever you do at the Lines is fine but if you’re there and are drinking, don’t get behind the wheel.”
“The Lines” represent more than a weekly gathering. It represents the body and spirit of students and locals who have come together for decades to enjoy the warmth of the bonfire and thrill of the outdoors. It’s a place for others to connect and share their similarities to forge lasting connections that will carry on long after the flames have faded.