UA News

The family-oriented, UA student-run carnival will be held four days beginning Thursday. Pre-Spring Fling activities are planned at the UA on Tuesday.

This week marks the start of four days of spinning and zipping rides on carnival grounds that includes dozens of booths full of food and goodies.

Do you have your wristband ready? The University of Arizona 's annual Spring Fling gets kicked off this week.

Known as the largest student-run carnival, Spring Fling is organized by the Associated Students of The University of Arizona. It takes about 3,000 volunteers to plan and run and the four-day event, which is now in its 35th year.

The event includes more than two dozen rides, games, entertainment and more than 20 food booths run by UA student clubs and organizations.

"Expect Spring Fling 2009 to be packed with attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy," said James Dickhoner, the carnival's executive director and a UA Honors College student studying regional development.

The carnival will be held at Rillito Downs, which is located off of North First Avenue, midway between East Wetmore and East River roads.

The event also serves as a fundraiser for UA student clubs and organizations and typically raises an average of $80,000 for participating organizations each year.

This year, Spring Fling organizers are partnering again with UA4Food and the Tucson Community Food Bank to hold a food drive. The goal this year is to raise 5,000 pounds of food. Spring Fling attendees will receive $5 off $20 wristbands for unlimited rides with three cans of non-perishable food, Dickhoner said.

Another promotion meant to boost attendance will be held Thursday and Sunday. Anyone who brings an empty Coca-Cola product container to recycle will receive free admission.

The carnival hours are: Thursday 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday 4 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.

"Some of us have been working on this throughout the year," said Chase Sutton, the carnival's marketing director and a UA junior majoring in sociology and business.

The "Spring Fling Kick Off" with food, entertainment, giveaways and a giant slide will be held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on the UA Mall from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

New this year is the first eating contest with mashed potatoes and dinner rolls with the preliminary heats to be held March 31 and April 1 on the UA Mall. Those interested in participating must visit the ASUA office at the Student Union Memorial Center to sign up.

Winners will be able to complete during the championship round, which will be held during Spring Fling on Sunday at 2 p.m., said Joshua Leimkuehler, the festival's corporate director and a UA Honors College student studying business.

Winners will receive gift cards to UA BookStores and the Texas Roadhouse. Student organizers said more than 30,000 people attend Spring Fling annually.

"All of us are really excited," Sutton said. "A lot of us have put a lot of work into Spring Fling, are happy it is finally here and are hoping to have a good event."