Toga! Toga! Toga!

This summer's heat wave has forced people to come up with increasingly creative ways to beat the heat. Some fill their kiddie pools with ice water, while others put their sheets in the freezer before going to bed. And some brave souls attend toga parties, like the one hosted at the Towne Tavern Thursday night.

The event was well attended. Cars lined the street in front, the bar was crowded, and everyone enjoyed the live music blaring from the front of the room. A quick glance around the room revealed a gathering of people having a great time, but it also revealed a distinct lack of people clad in togas.

Those who did dress according to the theme were warmly received when they revealed themselves. When they ventured to walk in front of the band, cheers, raised glasses, and shouts of "You got the toga memo!" could be heard.

Many of those in togas were regulars at the tavern. Ryan Marmorato took partial credit for coming up with the idea for a toga party in the first place after suggesting the idea to one of the owners.

"I made a joke and the owner Pete (Schwab) was like, 'Yeah, toga party!' and he planned a date, and here it is," he said.

Aside from having an excuse to wear a toga in public, wearers were further motivated by the cash prize for best toga.

The party also featured live entertainment in the form of New Dakota, a local cover band whose specialty is playing an eclectic and impressive array of tunes to dance and drink to.

"I'm all about fun, and this band is all about fun, too," said enthusiastic fan Diana Keary.

With Van Thorne on drums, Todd Johnson on guitar and Kevin Walker on bass, the trio cover a range of songs from artists such as Johnny Cash and Jimmy Eat World. They even encourage audience participation, which new fan Kaitlyn Reilly provided by singing backup on "Mustang Sally."

"You try to be welcoming, you try to break down the wall between the band and the audience, and people feel free to come up and join us," said bassist Kevin Walker.

As the night wore on, more toga-wearers arrived and took the theme a step further by wearing crowns of laurel on their heads. Still, Hans Anmmitzboll, who was clad in a white linen toga, and his friends were "disappointed by the lack of togas."

At the end of the night, the band announced the judging of the togas, and each wearer was introduced and rated by applause. In the end, no decision could be reached, and everyone wearing a toga was given a free drink.