Wake up and smell the food trucks because Spring Fest 2021 was finally here. Sacred Heart University’s annual Spring Fest was back after a year off due to the coronavirus and was better than ever.
“Spring Fest is SET’s biggest event of the year. Normally in non COVID-19 times the event would be one whole day and no sign ups. This year the event is both Friday and Saturday,” said Courtney Cardona, Vice President of the Student Events Team.
After a hiatus due to the ongoing pandemic, Spring Fest could not be held last year, but after a year of planning and waiting for campus to become safe again, Spring Fest is back and ready to serve the Sacred Heart community with open and safe arms.
“I can’t believe I never went to spring fest before this year,” said senior Lindsey McCarthy.
The week of April 26 – May 1, the Student Events Team (SET) hosted a plethora of different Spring Fest events and activities for everyone on campus to enjoy and lead up to the eventual Spring Fest on Friday April 30 and Saturday May 1.
The week of events held everything from making your own custom tie dye t-shirts, cotton candy and even riding a mechanical unicorn. The events allow students to take a little break from the stresses of finals and school too enjoy some free food and novelty gifts as well.
“It was a great time, they had wonderful activities,” said senior Katlin Katzenback.
“We are holding Spring Fest Week to lead up to Spring Fest,” said Cardona. “This included Cotton Candy on Monday, Mechanical Unicorn with Unicorn Cupcakes on Tuesday, Tie Dye on Wednesday, Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Truck and Spring Fest Bracelet Distribution on Thursday.”
Spring Fest was affected by the virus and had to follow new rules and measures in order to go on with the event this year.
“We had pre-sign ups with an allotted number of guests allowed per hour to maintain social distancing guidelines and reduce crowds. Masks are required, unless eating and being aware of others not in your family pod. We want students to have fun while also being safe and following guidelines,” said Cardona. “With sign up slots per hour to maintain social distancing and reduce crowds. Masks and social distancing are required for this event unlike in the past.”
Despite all the guidelines and regulations, things were still a go at Spring Fest nonetheless. Posters were put around campus, posts made through SET’s email and board posts on the Sacred Heart official website to let everyone know about the events to come.
“Spring Fest Week has been a hit,” said Cardona. “We will most likely continue this in following years to promote Spring Fests in the future.”
A lot of students came out for the week’s events and the actual Spring Fest day as well to celebrate not only the season of spring but to celebrate each other’s company as well.
“I had a wonderful time. I loved the wide variety of food and activities they had,” said senior Sara Terpak.
“My favorite part was the balloons,” said senior Devin Gavigan. “I got a flower crown.”
“I loved it,” said senior Hope Lecours.
Spring Fest 2021 on campus brought a lot of joy, fun and most unity among students, faculty, and families to have some free cotton candy, take a dive through the obstacle course or just laugh with a group of your roommates, Spring Fest is here for all.
“I had so much fun and I’m so sad it was my last spring fest,” said senior Jennifer deBeus.
