A sunny and muddy Saturday drew about 4,500 University students to Mad Bowl for the fourth annual Springfest, an outdoor event hosted by the University Programs Council featuring live performances, food and other activities.
Organizers said they were pleased with this year's event, which included the addition of the Vermonster and Gusburger eating contests.
"We thought the event was a big success," UPC Special Programs Chair Kate Daughdrill said. "We are just so happy that so many people came out to enjoy the food and music and the weather."
New events included the Vermonster competition, which 425 students participated in. Teams that competed in the competition were challenged to eat a bucket of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Entry fees for the competition went to the Virginia Institute of Autism.
"This is my fourth year working on Springfest, and I would have to say I think this is the best one we've had," Concert Committee Chair Jenny Poole said. "Not just in terms of attendance, but also music and activities."
Robert Randolph and the Family Band highlighted an afternoon of music that included performances from Donovan Frankenreiter and Sparky's Flaw.
During the Randolph performance, a small number of students made their way on stage. The band allowed the students to remain on stage and completed their set, Springfest organizers said.
Performers praised the event, citing the spirit of the attendees.
"It was a lot of fun," first-year College student and Sparky's Flaw lead singer Will Anderson said. "It was a good crowd and a nice day, and a combination of the two makes for a killer show. UPC did a great job, especially for the bigger artists, keeping things cool backstage."
Forecasts earlier in the week had called for rain, prompting organizers to prepare for an indoor event, tentatively set for the Aquatic & Fitness Center. While the afternoon ended up being warm and sunny, Mad Bowl still was wet and muddy.
"We thought there was going to be an issue with the mud," UPC Programs Coordinator Jennelle Root said. "We had a little bit of people throwing it and that sort of thing, but it did not get very bad."
The planning for next year's event will begin soon as the UPC explores way to create more co-sponsorship as a way to add more activities, UPC members said.
"We are going to do a thorough evaluation of the event and would be happy to take suggestions from students," Daughdrill said.
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