Muddy ground and gray skies didn't dissuade University students from flocking to Mad Bowl Saturday for Springfest.
Planned and organized by the University Programs Council, the event featured performances by The Wailers, Better Than Ezra and several other bands. The festival also included a climbing wall, shirt tie-dying, free food, Frisbee and an American Gladiators-like competition.
For some, the festivities began before arriving at Mad Bowl. Second-year College student Michael Provenza said he "pre-gamed" before going to Springfest.
"I prepared for Springfest by doing a power hour on the roof of my fraternity house," Provenza said.
Despite all the planning and preparation that went into Springfest, there was one factor UPC could not control -- a muddy Mad Bowl.
Although the mud may have deterred some students, second-year College student Curran Jhanjee said he didn't mind it at all.
"I'm wearing sandals, so it's not that big of a deal," he said, "My feet are muddy, but I don't care -- I'm having a great time."
First-year College student Jasdeep Ghumman also said the mud was not a problem.
"I'm just looking forward to vibing with my friends to some great music," Ghumman said. Ghumman even said she thought the mud made Springfest more enjoyable and memorable.
Engineering Graduate student Joe Carnahan said the muddy conditions may have affected the dress code.
"I don't think anybody minded," Carnahan said. "I don't think people dressed up as much as they might have if it weren't so muddy."
All mud aside, students turned their attention to the variety of events and activities scattered around Mad Bowl.
Carnahan said he participated in several of the activities offered.
"[I] caught some Frisbees from random people I didn't know and tossed them back to them," he said. "I got food and got in line for the climbing then decided I didn't want to wait that long. I watched people do the American Gladiator thing they had, which was hilarious," Carnahan said.
The bands also were well received by the audience.
Second-year College student John Stith said he came for Better Than Ezra but would have liked to see some other bands perform.
"If I could change one thing about Springfest, I would say that the Roots should have came -- that would have been awesome," Stith said.
Overall, those who attended said they were pleased with Springfest 2004, and as for Stith's musical request, there is always next year.
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