Golden Explosion is an annual event hosted by the Theta Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Northwestern State University. The event takes place during Alpha Week and invites students, families and the Natchitoches community to come out and enjoy a week full of performances known as step shows.

This year, Golden Explosion moved away from step shows and is now known as Greek Picnic.

Niklaus Jordan is a junior nursing major as well as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, who experienced his second year of being a part of the event and explained what caused the change. “Golden Explosion was a step show, but this year we decided to change it to a Greek picnic. We want to match the environment that the students and community want, so we changed it to a picnic and afterparty instead. It is a lot like homecoming and has become a family event, but the event as a whole has been a tradition for the Theta Chi chapter for 20-plus years,” Jordan said.

Throughout the years, the event has grown in popularity and offers everyone in attendance something to enjoy. Brooke Straight is a senior communication major who attended the event last year for the first time. “I attended Golden Explosion because I was personally invited by a friend and had never been before. As the College Panhellenic Council president, I have been able to learn about all sides of Greek life, the importance of supporting all Greek life and not closing myself off to my own council. I have some close friends who are Alphas, and I wanted to support them,” Straight said.

Straight’s favorite memory from the event was being around friends and enjoying what the event had to offer. “It was hot, but there was good food, music and a few vendors as well,” Straight said.

With a growing crowd and anticipation for the next Golden Explosion, the Alphas are planning even greater things for the future. James Taylor is a senior general studies major and the current president of the chapter. “This year is going to be even bigger, and even though I won’t be here for it, I know the chapter is in good hands,” Taylor said. “Golden Explosion is part of our tradition and has been going on for a long time, so it was an honor to be able to keep it alive and going.”