The Llama Ledger - Bard College at Simon's Rock's Student Newspaper

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Alex Nathanson Sophomore Eli Dworkin runs on the bungee run during Mayfest 2007.

This year's Mayfest is shaping up to be a busy couple of days, with multiple activities running throughout the weekend. Staff- and student-coordinated events range from annual classics, like the kick-off bonfire, to a one-time-only concert by the Guitar Hero-famed band, Freezepop.

The Mayfest activities this year are set to begin Thursday, May 1, with this semester's Dance Concert in McConnell Theater at 7:30 p.m.

Following the concert will be the annual Senior Torch Ceremony on Kendrick lawn at 9, during the Mayfest Bonfire, said Valerie Fanarjian, Campus Activities Director and key organizer of this year's Mayfest.

The festivities continue on Friday at 7:30 p.m. with the second performance of the Dance Concert.

The first, in what organizer Chris Grace hopes will become a series, House of Grace dance party will take place at 10 in the Alumni Performance Center. The event should be a "really fun and energetic dance party, which has a basis in electronic music, trying to incorporate hip hop and electronica," said Grace.

Ending Friday's events is this year's production of the Rocky Horror Show, which begins at midnight in the Lecture Center.

A popular event from last year, the carnival, which includes a henna tent, inflatables and fried dough, will take place Saturday afternoon concurrently with games of ultimate frisbee at 2 p.m. and softball at 4 on the soccer field.

Of last year's carnival, sophomore Alice Hansmann said, "Mayfest is enjoyable. I ate so much fried dough, and then I went on the bouncy thing, and then I threw up. Everyone should go to Mayfest … you have so much fun you barf."

To remember the occasion, Mayfest t-shirts will be for sale, tentatively on Kendrick Lawn, Saturday afternoon for $5 in colors smoke, iris and red, with a design made by sophomore Sali Amabebe, said Fanarjian, who will be selling the shirts.

Hill House will host the annual Iron Chef competition Saturday at 6, followed by a main event of the celebration weekend, Freezepop in concert, a band with an electro/pop sound.

The Mayfest Prom, which first-year Chanese Forte organized, along with the prom committee, will begin at 9 Saturday night, complete with coronation of a prom king and queen, said Fanarjian.

Sunday, the final day of Mayfest, will begin with Resident Director Saleem Abdal-Khaaliq's annual Duck Race at 11 a.m., which senior Marvin Gonzalez said he fondly remembers from last year. The ducks, sold on Saturday at the carnival, will cost $1 each with the winning duck's owner taking home all of the proceeds. The race will begin at the Small Bridge, said Abdal-Khaaliq.

Also on Sunday will be boating at Lake Mansfield from 12 to 4 p.m. with RDs Ken Geremia and Nicole Darcangelo, and a basketball game at 12:30 and a dodgeball game at 7, both in the Kilpatrick Athletic Center.

All in all, Fanarjian said she has basic hopes for the day. "All I want is a nice day, no one to be hurt and I want nice weather."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools