`Flingin' in the Free World' in spring 2002

With Spring Fling under than three months away, the hype for Penn's big party weekend has officially begun.

The Social Planning and Events Committee announced yesterday that the theme of Spring Fling 2002 will be "Flingin' in the Free World." The inspiration for this year's theme was Neil Young's hit song, "Rockin' in the Free World," which was also covered by Pearl Jam.

The Spring Fling committee, a branch of SPEC, chose this year's theme in the hopes of connecting all of the weekend's events.

"The theme usually is focused mainly on the merchandise and the logo," said Fling Committee Co-Director Tim Ofak, a College junior. "[This year's theme] is very beneficial for Fling since we can link up all the different parts."

This year's celebration will be held on April 12 and 13. The festival is entering its 30th year.

Spring Fling traditionally serves as a weekend-long stress reliever before the grueling onset of the final exam period. Visitors from all parts of the country travel to Penn in order to join the student community in the festivities.

Each year, Fling kicks off with a concert on Hill Field by one or more major label artists. This year's headlining acts have not yet been booked. Past entertainers have included Ben Folds Five, Blues Traveler, Run-DMC, George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Last year's show featured the Black Eyed Peas and Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals.

This year's theme continues the recent trend of naming Fling themes after popular songs. Last year's theme, "The Sweetest Fling," was based on the hit U2 song, "The Sweetest Thing," while the previous year's theme, "Fling Me Baby One More Time," was inspired by Britney Spears' first hit.

The Spring Fling Committee chose this year's theme from a list of more than 30 theme suggestions. Other themes that were considered included "Get Your Fling On," inspired by a Missy Elliot song, and "Let Freedom Fling."

"This year's theme has a positive feeling that brings together the festive nature of Fling and the spirit of the nation," said committee Co- Director Pia Bonura, a College junior.

As in past years, the Quadrangle will host the daytime activities throughout the weekend, including musical entertainment, food, vendors and games. Because of last year's success, the Carnival will once again be held at Wynn Common and College Green.

The Carnival festivities were relocated last year from Hamilton Village in order to eliminate the extreme winds and the worry of muddy fields and poor lighting.

"We're really trying to promote Carnival," Ofak said. "It's definitely a fun thing. We're hoping more people come to it."

The Spring Fling Committee will be holding a competition for this year's logo, which is used with the theme each year on various Fling paraphernalia. Students are encouraged to submit their designs for the logo to committee members.

The winner of the logo contest will receive a cash prize of $100, as well as two tickets to the Friday evening concert.

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