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Catcalls and jeers echoed from the Multi-Purpose Room of the Memorial Union on Monday as a couple locked lips before a small crowd of spectators for five straight minutes. The couple’s time spent tongue-tied was for a good cause – to help the French Club raise money with their “French” Kissing Contest.
The winners were couple Kristen Moran and Fahad Al-Ruhayem, both second-year students. Neither had signed up, but as the competition was scheduled to begin, they decided to join.
The French Club intended for several couples to smooch for as long as possible without breaking contact, but only Moran and Al-Ruhayem showed up to put out. Almost double that amount turned up to watch and sing songs to encourage them, jiving to the tunes of “Love Stinks” by J. Geils and “Kiss Me” by The Cranberries.
“I haven’t seen the tongue yet – isn’t this French kissing?” yelled Laurie Hemphill, a Union Marketplace employee who came to watch the festivities during her break.
“I thought it was funny,” Moran said. “I’m surprised no one else signed up.”
Al-Ruhayem appeared much less comfortable amidst the hooting and hollering but ultimately admitted to enjoying himself.
“I was trying really hard not to laugh,” he said.
This is the first year the French Club has tried to arrange the contest. A table was set up last Friday to sign up contestants for a $5 entry fee, but turnout was low. The club hoped for more participation, but the low attendance was expected.
“We had some trouble getting a sign-up table and getting a room,” said Alisa Rhodes, president of the French club. “We wanted to do it on Valentine’s Day, but it’s family and friends weekend.” Which may not have coincided well with a kissing contest.
“It’s the first time, so we might do better next year,” Rhodes said.
Like all contests, there were rules. Couples had to remain standing at all times, groping and sabotage were prohibited and if only one couple showed up, they would still have to pucker up for five minutes without breaking contact. The prize was two tickets to Spotlight Cinemas and a bag of Hershey’s kisses – a perfect Valentine’s date.
The $5 raised by the competition will help the French Club pay for their trip to Quebec in April.
