KEVIN B. KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat Tucson residents take a spin on a ride at last April's Spring Fling event at Rillito Downs. The 31st annual Spring Fling will officially begin today with festivities on the UA Mall.

Festivities on the UA Mall today will kick off the 31st annual Spring Fling, the country's largest, non-profit, student-run organization.

Student organizers have been working since August preparing for this year's Spring Fling events. More than 70 clubs, fraternities, sororities and other student-run organizations will work at the event.

"We are really excited about Spring Fling this year because we are working with UA4Food and the Tucson Community Food Bank," said Nathan Postillion, the Spring Fling club relations director. "Students who donate canned food will be entered into a raffle to win prizes."

Inflatable games, jousting, basketball and an applesauce-eating contest will take over the Mall area this week, along with a chance to win an iPod.

Apple Computer Inc. sponsors the UofA Bookstore, 1303 E. University Blvd., and the UofA Bookstore has donated iPods to be raffled off at the event, said Nicole Hartman, Spring Fling corporate director.

Students can enter to win an iPod on the Mall today, tomorrow and Wednesday, but they have to be present when the winners are announced at Spring Fling to win the prize.

"Students who already own an iPod can get a free T-shirt on the Mall this week," said Postillion, a political science senior. "If they wear the T-shirt to Spring Fling, they will get $10 in iTunes."

Hartman said she is very excited to be working with Apple Computer Inc. because it is such a large company and she's excited to see raffle results.

"I am looking forward to the event and it will be nice to see the finished product," Hartman said.

Alexis Mall, a psychology sophomore, volunteered at Spring Fling last year and said she is looking forward to this year's events.

"My sorority will be selling candy apples this year, and I am looking forward to it because last year was so much fun," said Mall, an Alpha Chi Omega member. "On our breaks we could go on rides, and we coordinate with a fraternity so socializing with them is a lot of fun."

Last year, Spring Fling had a low turnout because it was scheduled during Easter weekend. This year coordinators are preparing for a larger turnout.

"The point of the carnival is to generate money for clubs on campus, so we are hoping for a better turnout than last year," said Postillion.

Many students are looking forward to experiencing their first Spring Fling this weekend and hope it is worthwhile.

"I went home for Easter last year so I missed out on Spring Fling," said Brandon McLaughlin, a music sophomore. "I'm planning on going this year, but I hope it's not too expensive."

Students can enjoy unlimited rides Thursday and Friday if they buy a $20 wristband.

"If you buy a Pepsi 12-pack it has a sticker that is good for $5 off a wristband purchase," Hartman said.

Students low on cash can buy individual tickets for 75 cents apiece, which are good for rides and food at the event.

Spring Fling will take place at Rillito Downs, 4502 N. First Ave., from Thursday at 4 p.m. until Sunday.

"Everything about this event is going to be fun and people should come to enjoy the food, rides and bands," Hartman said.