STEVEN CARRILLO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Tucsonans John Partin and Isabella Brown hold on tight as they ride the Tilt-A-Whirl yesterday afternoon at Spring Fling. This year's four-day carnival drew an attendance of just more than 30,000, which was about 15,000 lower than expected.

Turnout still significantly lower than expected, but organizers expect a profit

This weekend's Spring Fling made a comeback from last year's disappointing turnout, but attendance still fell well short of what organizers had hoped for.

The four-day carnival saw a total attendance of 30,397, up about 5,000 people from last year, when rain dampened the festivities. But that number was 15,000 people short of what Chris Molessa, Spring Fling's executive director, was hoping for.

Molessa thinks the low attendance the last two years may be because Spring Fling is charging an admission fee that was implemented during Spring Fling 2000.

Even with the low attendance, the total gross income of $413,000 is higher than ever before.

"I am very satisfied with the financial reports and I think that the financial reports are what's important, rather than attendance," Molessa said.

The net income has not been calculated because some costs still need to be taken care of, such as paying police salaries. If the profit hits $30,000, each of the nine directors will receive a $500 bonus.

"It looks like we will be very close, if not exceeding that $30,000 bonus point," Molessa said.

In past years, directors have tried to ensure that the event break even. All profits go into a safety Spring Fling account for future years.

Molessa attributed the increase in attendance to the marketing program that was used to promote Spring Fling, held at Rillito Downs, 4502 N. First Ave. The carnival was advertised with 200 television and 500 radio commercials.

Scared after last year's Spring Fling, which had to close for two days because of rain, Spring Fling directors were appreciative of the nice weather, said public relations director Craig Haubrich.

But some clubs felt the temperatures Saturday were too high, causing problems with the products they were selling.

"Because it was so hot, it didn't go really well because the food we sold was better when it's colder outside.

No one wants hot apples or hot onion rings when it's hot outside," said Samantha Zipp, president of the Honors Students Council. "It's a good thing we sold soda and water. That's what we sold the most."

Some clubs worked game booths, which made it easier to make a profit because there were no costs that needed to go to outside venders to help their booth.

"This year, I think that in the monetary respect we will probably make a lot (of money) because there was not much maintenance for our booth," said Michelle Rosler, president of the Student Alumni Association.

Spring Fling offers clubs not only a time to raise money, but time to socialize as well, introducing clubs to other students and the Tucson community.

"Not many people know of SAA or who is in SAA, so it gives people a chance to see SAA in action," Rosler said.