The SPC-sponsored Spring Thing is a good first step at filling the void of activities that students say exists. However, if this festival is to succeed without alcohol something some students seem to require for having fun then it needs to be planned extremely well.

Until 1992, SIUC had its annual Spring Fest, which was an opportunity for students to get together to have a good time. After the number of alcohol-related disturbances, Spring Fest died.

It has been a constant concern for students to have things to do. The successful Main Street Pig Out last fall and the ever-popular Sunset Concert series over the summer gave students something to do. The reinstitution of a spring event has been an emerging issue for sometime. The Spring Thing is the first practical attempt.

Advertisement

The University has agreed to sponsor the event on the condition that alcohol will not be present. At first, the idea for Spring Thing included alcohol, but the University said no SIUC-affiliated organizations could sponsor an event with alcohol because doing so would violate the University’s alcohol policy. An alcohol-free event can work, though some have doubts. The best way for the Spring Thing to succeed is planning. In this planning SPC needs to invest time, money and energy to provide something beyond the traditional University-sponsored event. This includes billing a modestly recognized band all could enjoy not just a local band that could be seen every weekend on the Strip. This event needs to resemble a fair or festival with food, activities, and games of interest that could keep students entertained throughout the day.

The last alcohol-free spring festival the University died in 1994, but that does not mean that this new idea is destined to the same fate. Success lies in going all out and cooperation by members of the city and University communities. This may be one more accomplishment in the quest to quench the student body’s thirst for fun if it’s given a chance.