This weekend, Binghamton University’s Spring Fling 2009 will entertain students once again with the usual carnival staples, along with an added “Adam and Eve” theme.
The Student Association programming board has built on the successes and failures of last year’s Spring Fling by not only adding events, but expanding the area being used.
“The event will be bigger than ever this year, starting at the Student Wing and extending all the way to the Engineering Building, territory usually unused during past Spring Flings,” said Sara Parrish, the festival chair of the SAPB.
This year’s theme and tagline, “Try My Forbidden Fruit,” was drawn from the headlining act, Eve 6. The group will perform at 8 p.m. after the Battle of the Bands winners and Rookie of the Year.
Students walking to class along the Spine have already seen some Spring Fling rides, which will include the Pirate Ship and Sidewinder.
While waiting in line for the rides, students will be entertained by Todd Robbins, the dean of the Coney Island Sideshow School.
“Todd will be on a stage in front of the fountain eating light bulbs, swallowing swords, walking on glass, eating fire and hammering nails into his nose,” Parrish said. “We hope he will be able to entertain those who are waiting on a line for a ride.”
In addition to the rides, over 60 student groups will be tabling with special games and events, including an IFC- and greek organization-sponsored Car Smash, where students will get to smash in an old car with bats. There will also be a Harpur’s Ferry dunk tank.
The Pre-Veterinary Society will be bringing in a variety of animals, including a live bearcat.
“We hope to get our very own bearcat, Baxter, who will make a special appearance to pose with the real bearcat for some pictures!” Parrish said.
The usual assortment of carnival food will be sold, including fried Oreos, as well as other free food, while tickets last, for those with BU IDs.
“I think it’ll be a great event,” Aaron Butler, SA vice president for programming, said. “Hopefully the weather holds up and I hope to see everyone out there!”