After spending months bundled in layers of scarves, mittens and hats, slogging through snow, ice and slush, University students have welcomed with open arms and popped collars the changing of the seasons. Spring is in the air, noticeable by the blossoming of daffodils and the pastels that are popping up in the form of shorts, sundresses and open-toed shoes. But spring is also a time for University students from all walks of life to come together to celebrate the season at the University Programs Council's annual Springfest.
"The best part about Springfest is that it can reach so many people because we have so much going on," Springfest co-coordinator Jenn Root said. "Everyone is getting together, having fun being involved in a growing, evolving tradition."
Springfest is in its sixth year, created after UPC realized the huge gap between Homecoming and the end of the school year needed an event to bring students together. Originally featuring only music and food, Springfest has slowly grown bigger, adding in more activities and involving more student groups. Today, Springfest is a joint effort between all parts of UPC, with PK German and Special Programs co-sponsoring the event.
"Every year we have some kind of theme, and this year's theme is going to be like a state fair," Root said. "We're going to have circus tent activities, musicians, jugglers and a balloon animal maker."
The first portion of Springfest runs from 12-4 p.m. at Nameless Field behind Memorial Gymnasium, with free food from University Dining and Mel's Café. A large carnival tent will feature field games by University groups that are co-sponsoring the event; Second-Year Council, WideAwake, Komak, the Poker Association, the Fashion Design Club and the Lions Club among others, are set to host games in the tent.
"Some events are outlets for different people to come together, activities that are not associated with a major or hometown," Springfest co-coordinator Travis Hartberger said. "It's an outlet for people who go to the same school, but it's not so 'school spirit' and it's not an athletic event."
Two of the biggest crowd-pleasers are the annual Vermonster competition, which will benefit the Virginia Institute of Autism, and the Gusburger eating contest. Beginning at noon, these events will be held on the side stage. Also on the side stage, three of the competitors from UPC's Battle of the Bands will perform beginning at 2 p.m.: Helen Horal, Sweetbriar and Blackout Project.
According to Hartberger, the "beefiest" part of this year's Springfest is the main stage performer. Ben Folds, with lead singer of Clem Snide, Eef Barzelay, as support, will perform for nearly two hours.
"Getting the right artists for students is the most difficult part of Springfest," Hartberger said. "There is someone some group always wants to see, so finding the right person to please a large number of students [is hard]. The reality is, is that person available? We're held to high standards to bring them [the artist] here, but it's totally up to the artist."
After turning down an offer to play a fall show at the University, Ben Folds agreed to play Springfest as part of his spring tour, which includes trips to Virginia Tech and James Madison University.
"PK German has put in bids for Folds for five to six years," Hartberger said. "This is his only free show and it'll last for two hours. We're expecting about 6,000 people to show up based on interest in Ben Folds."
Barzelay will begin performing on the main stage at 4 p.m. and Ben Folds will take the stage at 5 p.m.
With exciting competitions, interactive events and high-quality performers -- all for no charge -- Springfest promises to give students an explosive way to welcome spring.
"You can come and be whatever you want to be," Hartberger said. "It's about being a student."
Springfest will be held at Nameless Field Saturday from 12-7 p.m.
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