Festivities generate $50K for campus clubs
With Spring Fling festivities officially over, UA clubs are reaping the benefits of their hard work now that the money has been counted.
UA sororities, fraternities and other clubs involved with Spring Fling made an estimated $52,000 during the four-day event, up from last year's sales of about $42,000.
"I expected a little bit more," said Amanda Meaker, Spring Fling executive director. "But overall Spring Fling ran very smooth this year."
Attendance was also up from last year, which had a smaller turnout caused by the Easter weekend and poor, rainy weather.
An estimated 26,000 people attended Spring Fling this year, up from last year's 23,000 patrons, said Meaker, an engineering senior.
Meaker awarded the pre-nursing and off-roading club members with the Executive Director Award this year for emulating the characteristics of true Spring Flingers.
"This award goes to the group that exemplifies all factors of Spring Fling," Meaker said. "They are on time, courteous to customers, and they provide fun entertainment and family values for the public."
Another group, the Movimiento Estudiantil de Chicanos de Atzlán, was awarded the dean's trophy for their work at Spring Fling.
"It's a real honor the fact that we got recognized," said Vanessa Gallego, MEChA co-chair and undeclared junior. "Every year we try to bring new things to Spring Fling. We put a lot of effort into our façade, and it's great that we were recognized by the dean."
MEChA sold Mexican desserts containing real fruit and ice cream at the event.
"We want to continue to do good customer service and we think it's great that we were considered outstanding," Gallego said.
Meaker said Spring Fling broke even with sales this year, and if she could make any changes for next year it would be increasing communication between Spring Fling representatives and their clubs.
"I had the best staff working at the carnival," Meaker said. "It's such a great feeling to see that it has worked and to see people enjoying the rides and having a good time. There is nothing better in the world."