Students who have an insatiable appetite for sugary, salty and fried foods can find satisfaction tonight when the UA launches the 31st Annual Spring Fling.
Spring Fling, the nation's largest student-run event, will raise money for more than 70 clubs, fraternities, sororities and other student organizations on campus.
The taste sensations will be overwhelming, with more than 60 clubs and organizations offering a variety of food choices, including carnival classics such as cotton candy, hot dogs, funnel cakes and roasted corn.
Last year the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Club raised the most money with the food they sold at Spring Fling from El Guero Canelo. This year, the variety of food will make you feel like a kid in a candy store.
"I love cotton candy, I can't get enough of it," said Janelle Drumwright, a journalism sophomore. "It's my favorite part of a carnival."
The food will be abundant, but before you eat too much, be prepared to experience the adrenaline rush from more than 30 rides, like the Ferris wheel and Tilt-a-Whirl. There will also be new rides such as the Soundwave.
"The Ferris wheel is classic," Drumwright said. "I haven't been on a Ferris wheel, but they seem really romantic. Maybe this spring I'll find someone to share that with."
Students may be enticed to go on some of the classic rides because it is a reminder of childhood.
"My favorite ride is the Tilt-a-Whirl because when I was younger, it was my favorite ride to go on whenever I went to a carnival," said Amanda Meaker, Spring Fling coordinator.
Students planning to attend the event should dress casually, said Ashley Bock, public relations director of Spring Fling.
Warm weather is expected to grace the event, but coordinators said students should come prepared.
"We recommend lots of sun screen and drinking a lot of water," said Meaker, an engineering senior. "At night it sometimes gets chilly, so bringing a sweatshirt is a good idea."
Spring Fling will also be abuzz with live entertainment. Live bands such as Haley Jane, The Plastic Arts, The Loveseat, Por La Gente and many more will play from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. today and tomorrow, and from noon to midnight Saturday.
Scott Schatz, a psychology senior, played in three bands that performed at Spring Fling last year and will play bass guitar for the bands Haley Jane and The Loveseat this year.
"The stage is really nice, and it has great sound," Schatz said. "There are a lot more bands this year so I am hoping that there will be a larger crowd too."
Parking at the event will be $1, and if students enter the UA4Food Drive any time this weekend and show their ticket stub, they will receive free parking.
UA students can get into Spring Fling for free with a CatCard, and all-day ride passes are available for $20 today and tomorrow.
A free shuttle service will be available to pick up students in front of Old Main and take them to Rillito Park, 4502 N. First Ave, every half-hour.
"It is going to be a good time for everyone," Meaker said.