Spring Fling's rides, profits thrill students

Kristy Mangos Arizona Daily Wildcat Yiannis Epaminondas, a marketing freshman, helps out the Hellenic Society by cooking Greek food for Spring Fling customers Sunday at Spring Fling. Official numbers won't be released for a few days, but the student run carnival turned a profit for the first time in four years.

Last year, the Associated Students had to bail Spring Fling out of a $4,000 debt, but even though exact figures will not be available for several days, the carnival turned a profit for the first time in at least four years, said Chantelle Brewer, Spring Fling's assistant executive director.

Saturday drew the most visitors in Spring Fling history when 14,012 people rode rides and enjoyed the new educational program for children. Kids' Expo, which promoted learning and fun by offering activities like bedsheet decorating and an interactive science exhibit, was introduced Saturday.

Brewer said judging by the totals, new ideas like Kids' Expo paid off.

"It was definitely a profitable Spring Fling," said Brewer, a marketing junior. "This year with the art contest, we were able to get to the schools and families to let them know what was going on."

Associated Students adviser Jim Drnek said although Spring Fling was a success, the new directors need to come up with fresh ideas for the carnival's second day.

"We need to figure out what kind of a special thing we can do," Drnek said. "We need to provide incentives to draw people on Friday."

According to attendance records, 5,613 people took part in Friday's festivities.

Thursday - widely known as Wristband Day - drew 6,524 people, while Sunday, famous for its $1 rides and $1 admission, drew 8,847 visitors.

Brewer credited the high turnout to the staff's marketing skills.

"This is the best media coverage we ever had for Spring Fling," she said.

Brewer also credited the booking of a special musical guest - the R&B group 112 - for drawing large numbers of young people.

"We had a huge crowd out there, and we targeted the right age group," she said.

But Spring Fling will run into problems next year, since construction of the Integrated Instructional Facility will boot the carnival off its current location on the McKale Lawn.

ASUA Administrative Vice President Tara Taylor said she was not concerned about the future of Spring Fling, even though it will be left without a home in 1999. The carnival's new location has not yet been determined.