DAVID HARDEN/Arizona Daily Wildcat Ray Cammack Shows employee Seferino Cortez makes some last-minute adjustments to the Spring Fling ride "Kamikaze" yesterday at Rillito Park. Admission to Spring Fling, which runs today through Sunday, is free to UA students who present their CatCards.

Organizers hope to double turnout from last year

Carnival workers hosed down rides and gave them test runs while clubs spent the afternoon tacking together booths and nailing down signs, as last-minute preparations were made yesterday for Spring Fling's opening.

The last ride arrived yesterday for the carnival, which begins today, and organizers have worked all week at Rillito Downs, 4502 N. First Ave., in the hopes of doubling attendance after rain dampened hope for a large turnout last year.

The nine carnival directors, who spent much of the week scrambling around the fairgrounds coordinating the setup, are hoping for a turnout of 50,000.

"We set records a few years ago, and we're set in a position where I wouldn't be surprised if we exceeded everything they did two years ago," said Spring Fling Public Relations Director Craig Haubrich.

Last year, there was a 57 percent decrease in attendance from Spring Fling 2000.

But despite last year's low attendance, the organizers didn't want to downsize this year's carnival, which will feature 40 rides, including the "Mega Drop," which is making its first visit to Tucson.

The ride's seats outline a circular 120-foot structure. It slowly rises to the top where it pauses for a moment and then suddenly drops - traveling at more than 60 mph.

Haubrich was able to sneak preview the ride.

"It is the best kind of ride for a thrill seeker like myself," he said. "It's the most nerve-racking right at the top, not knowing what's going to happen next, and before you know it, boom, you are back on the ground."

About 80 student clubs are also running a variety of booths, which will feature food, drinks and games. Besides doing a service to carnival-goers, club members are also using the event as a chance to reach out to other clubs.

"I am excited because it gives all of us the opportunity to meet members in other clubs," said ASUA senator-elect Stacey Nelson, who was setting up the booth yesterday for Sophos Sophomore Honorary.

Organizers are hoping that all these factors, coupled with predictions for a warm and sunny weekend, will help draw students and Tucsonans to the carnival.

"This year we are going to have great weather and increase our attendance," said Spring Fling Executive Director Chris Molessa.

Ray Cammack Shows is providing the midway carnival for the 21st year. Tony Fiori, the company's corporate marketing director, has between 150 and 200 people working for him during Spring Fling.

"When we travel, we usually have 500 to 750 people," Fiori said. "It depends on the size of the show. We are only here for four days. After 21 years, you got to think you like it."

Spring Fling starts tonight from 4 p.m. to midnight. With the purchase of an $18 wristband, guests receive unlimited rides all night.

Friday is school ID night, open from 4 p.m. to midnight, where junior high and high school students receive $1 off admission.

Family Day is Saturday and hours are noon to midnight. With the purchase of a child's admission ticket, adults get in free until 5 p.m.

Sunday is dollar day where admission is $1 and the event is open from noon to 6 p.m. For $10 guests receive 10 rides.

University of Arizona students get in free each day if they present their CatCard but still have to pay for ride tickets.