News-Letter

Media Credit: Shiv Gandhi [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Laura Bitner [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Shiv Gandhi [Click to enlarge]

Despite an early closure and a decrease in overall size, Hopkins' 36th annual Spring Fair, the largest student-run fair on any U.S. college campus, was deemed a success by organizers.

This year's Spring Fair hosted about 25 food vendors, 60 art-and-crafts vendors, 29 non-profit groups, and various student organizations. The official programs included the traditional Beer Garden, day and night performances and a children's section.

"I smelled Spring Fair when I walked out of my dorm this morning," said sophomore Jacqueline Sofia, holding her chicken-on-a-stick.

"The piña colada smoothie is a must have," noted junior Amanuel Alemu, who was attending his third Spring Fair.

One event that takes place around the time of Spring Fair, but is not affiliated with it, is Relay for Life, (RFL) which concluded its Cancer Awareness Week Friday, with a relay to raise money for cancer research. Seventeen cancer survivors and about 50 teams took part in the event this year.

RFL featured various theme laps and entertainment groups including Throat Culture, Octopodes, Flim Flam and more. In addition to recognizing the courage and strength of the survivors, RFL raised about $55,000 for the American Cancer Society to utilize as funds for education, research, advocacy and patient services.

Members set up the HOPE sign on the stairs of the Breezeway, candles symbolizing cancer survivors and victims were lit. "[It] was incredibly inspiring and beautiful," said Laxmi Pellakuru, co-chair of Relay for Life.

"The event was a huge success, and we are looking to win the `Most Spirited Relay for Life Event' from the American Cancer Society."

The unusually good weather during the day on Saturday attracted many fair-goers.

One of the highlights was the Common concert at the Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center on Saturday night.

Apparently, the weather and electric difficulties before the concert did not prevent the enthusiastic fans from enjoying the night.

Sophomore Jessica Turral might have received many jealous eyes from other female concert attendees, as she was the girl who Common invited to dance with him on stage.

"I loved the concert. [Common] was so amazing and full of life," Turral said, still recovering from the excitement.

The scheduled 8 p.m. concert did not begin until 9:30 p.m.

"I was waiting outside for two and a half hours instead of just the 30 minutes I had planned," said Turral, who expressed disappointment that Common did not stay nor sign autographs afterward.

It was freshman Megan Tsui's first Spring Fair experience.

"It was definitely something different, and the Pie-Eating Contest was amusing," Tsui said. She one of the many observers who witnessed hungry contestants gobbling down apple pies prepared by Cooking 4 Love.

Jeanette Brown, a member of University library staff, took an hour from work to stroll in between vendors.

However, Brown was not entirely satisfied with what she saw, noting what appeared to be a decreasing number of vendors since her first experience of Spring Fair at Hopkins."The food selection was good, but expensive," Brown added.

According to Susan Boswell, dean of Student Life, the fair was smaller due to space constraints, but "the quality of the vendors was very high."

As in years past, Spring Fair was hampered by rain.

"It seems it always has to rain sometimes, why doesn't the University schedule Spring Fair around September where the weather is nice and hectic exam days are avoided," library staff member Michael Handzo suggested.

Unfortunately Spring Fair had to be closed Sunday due to heavy rains.

"It mainly affected the vendors who lost a day of sales, as well as the loss of amazing food and fun for our Hopkins and surrounding communities," said Grant Boyadjian, Spring Fair executive co-chair.

Regardless, Spring Fair cheered up the University this past weekend.

"It went off without a hitch. A great shout-out to our staffs and much appreciation to everyone," Boyadjian said.

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