FILE PHOTO Political science sophomore Amy Hermalik kisses Marcus Garrett, a political science senior, on a Ferris wheel during Spring Fling last year. The largest student-run carnival in the nation will start Thursday and run through April 11 at Rillito Downs Park.

Spring Fling coordinators, worried that few people will visit the carnival this year because it falls on Easter weekend, hope new incentives will keep attendance up.

Spring Fling, the largest student-run carnival in the country, will take place April 8-11.

"We were disappointed at first, but we are working around it," said Tricia Domschke, Spring Fling public relations director.

Spring Fling, an event with a $195,000 budget, always falls on the second week of April and could not be changed this year because the Pima County Fairgrounds already had commitments on other weekends, said Lindsay Urbank, Spring Fling executive director.

"We've given everyone fair warning, though," she said.

In order to entice the Tucson community to come on April 11, the carnival will include an Easter bunny and other activities young children can participate in.

Admission will be free for everyone on Sunday. People will be able to go on 10 rides for $10.

On all other days, admission is $3 and wristbands cost $20. Carnival-goers can get $5 off wristbands when they purchase Pepsi products on Thursday and April 9.

Students get in free every day with a CatCard.

Spring Fling coordinators have also lowered their attendance goal. Last year, coordinators had hoped for 40,000 people. About 30,000 people attended.

This year, coordinators hope 25,000 people will attend Spring Fling for its 30th anniversary.

Michael Wiechertjes, a marketing sophomore, said he was going home for the weekend and would not be able to attend Spring Fling.

"I would not have held it on Easter weekend because so many people plan to go home and won't be able to go," he said.

David Kurzock, a senior majoring in English, said he was planning on staying in Tucson over Easter weekend.

"It seems to me that it would be a simple thing to schedule the whole thing for another weekend without one of the biggest holidays in our culture on it," he said.

There will be a new ride this year called The Booster, which is known for reaching the high speed of 60 mph. Last year's popular ride the Mega Drop Drive makes a return to this year's event.

Domschke said there would also be a lot of entertainment, including music with performers of all ages.

Headlining bands include Gorilla Behind Bars, This End Up, Troy's Bucket and Dirty Little Secret.

Domschke said it has been more difficult to recruit student volunteers for the event this year because many students will be out of town.

She said there are enough enthusiastic and supportive volunteers, but recruiting is continuing.

"We have enough volunteers, but we want more so people don't need to be spread too thin," she said.

Volunteers receive a T-shirt, a badge and free meals while working.

Domschke said students should come to support the 45 clubs that will be at the fair.

"It's important students come to be a part of the UA tradition," Urbank said. "Every year it is bigger and better."

A shuttle will run from Old Main to Rillito Downs every 15 minutes.