After what may have been one of the harshest winters here at Temple, spring has officially arrived.
And what better to come along with spring than a fling.
Spring Fling, a week long festival coordinated by the Office of Student Activities, the Main Campus Program Board (MCPB) and various other clubs, is a time for students and faculty to come together on campus, eat great food and mingle with everyone.
“The energy is incredible,” said Joan Elsasser of the MCPB.
It all started in 1977 and has grown bigger and better with each passing year.
Originally only a one-day festival, Spring Fling has turned into a fun-filled, weeklong event, with different activities each day.
“Every year Spring Fling is shaped around a different theme depending on the latest trends,” said Kiesha Thompson of the MCPB, “This year’s theme is “Temple Live 2003: It’s not a game…This is based on the basketball game put out by NBA sports each year.”
Spring Fling will kick off on Monday with the Splash Bash in Pearson pool.
This is a free pool party that begins at 8 p.m. and is sponsored by Student Activities and MCPB.
“I can’t wait to see all of the female skin at Splash Bash this year,” said Temple junior Dave Gibson.
On Tuesday, the biggest event of Spring Fling will occur.
The Street Fair is a day-long festival which closes 13th St. Vendors and booths line the sidewalks.
“There has been so much talk about this day, I can’t wait. I’m not going to any classes,” said freshman Emily Caron.
Stages will be set up for five amateur bands and students will have a wide variety of international cuisine to choose from as they enjoy the music and the fair.
“Everyone has a great time enjoying weather, seeing old friends, and eating,” said Arnold Boyd, who has helped coordinate Spring Fling for many years.
After stuffing themselves, students can work off those calories by playing basketball or tackling the rock-climbing wall.
For those who want to escape all the noise, the Street Fair offers quieter alternatives.
“There will be a spoken words stage, which was in Founder’s Garden last year, with café tables. It is a quiet atmosphere, and a great escape from all of the madness,” said Elsasser.
The only problem with this day is getting people to leave when it’s over.
“I love the warm weather, skin, the smells of the food, and the sound of the crowd and music…I love Spring Fling,” said junior Jay Palermo.
Nightfall brings out the laughs with the Comedy Explosion in Mitten Hall.
Admission is $10.
In past years, comedians like B Phlat, Joe Clair, Shang, Jay Oakerson, and Smoove have performed, and this year should be no different with the comedy stylings of Arnez J. & Co.
Wednesday night is the Greek Sing, coordinated by the Fraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association.
It is a free event where the fraternities and sororities put together a song or some type of skit.
The event starts at 8 p.m. in Mitten Hall.
Thursday night is the Hip-Hop Panel.
This will be a panel discussion on the current state of hip-hop with Rock-a-fella’s State Property, members of the Lyricist Lounge and other industry figures.
The free event will begin at 7 p.m. in Mitten Hall.
Friday night at 9 p.m. is the Spring Fling Party.
This bash will be off-campus, and transportation will be provided.
All in all, this is going to be exciting week, packed full of events that no Temple student should miss.
Jennifer Hendriksen can be reached at jenh@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment