First came a theme (Fling: Ask us why), then came questions . and now we've got some answers.
Why do we care?
From T-shirts to guest passes, daytime to Carnival, we've been planning Fling since it ended last year. Now in its 35th year, Fling is something that even your parents might remember.
It's a tradition that students have fought hard to preserve, and we, for one, are glad they have succeeded.
Why should you come?
Just in the Quad alone, we will have eight inflatables over two days. You can knock someone over in human bowling or race against the clock in the sticky obstacle course. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., musical and performing groups will entertain you. We have 53 daytime acts, including 30 groups featuring Penn students, and a crowd favorite - the Blue Diamonds Step Team. Don't forget that at 5 p.m. on Saturday Mask & Wig will go on for their annual Fling performance.
Back again are all your favorite good vendors, ready to satisfy your cravings for fried Oreos.
You can kiss a Theta, dunk a friend sponsored by Chi Omega, tie-dye a shirt or participate in a number of other activities. On Saturday night, College Green will be host to the end-of-Fling Carnival.
FUZE and PhillyCoke will be giving away free samples to quench your thirst. FREE food from Pat's, Capogiro's, Bitar's, Cafe Spice and Philly Pretzel will be available to all. You can test your Twister skills, play laser tag or jump in a giant moon bounce as well as run on a 60-foot obstacle course.
New this year, we will be having a movie screening on the green next to Van Pelt library: Old School will begin at 10:30 p.m. and popcorn and cotton candy will be available! If you get hungry after that, the businesses on 40th Street will be staying open late.
Why be safe? While Penn students know how to have a good time, it is equally important to be safe this weekend. Now in its fourth year, FlingSafe will have its members walking around the Quad making sure that everyone is flinging responsibly.
Please be respectful of these volunteers as well as of Fling staff and administrators, - they are there to keep Fling alive. Lastly, please keep an eye on your friends and make sure that they stay safe throughout the weekend.
Why share it? Fling is an event that we all enjoy and want to share with others. Please remember that in order to bring a guest into the Quad, you will need to get a guest pass.
Guest passes will be sold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day until Wednesday April 9 and will be the only way for a non-PennCard holder to enter the Quad between April 9 at 5 p.m. and April 13 at 10 a.m. To get a guest pass, go to www.specevents.net to register.
Bring signed agreements to the conference room outside the Office of Student Life (2nd Floor of Houston Hall). Remember, each PennCard holder can get a maximum of two guest passes on a first-come first-served basis and guest passes cost $20.
Why Franklin? Luda, Gym Class and Ok Go expect to see you at Franklin Field on Friday at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30).
Tickets are on sale on Locust Walk or online at specevents.net. Pre-purchased tickets can be picked up on Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. outside of the Office of Student Life or on the day of the show at the Box Office (33rd and Spruce streets). Also, get ready to play another round of musical chairs for floor-seat wrist bands. Come to College Green (every hour on the hour) between 11 and 2 for a chance to win!
So now that you have asked us why, and now that we've told you why (if you didn't know already) . we hope to see you this weekend!
College sophomore Dasha Barannik, senior Juliana Calhoun and junior Michelle Jacobson are co-directors of Spring Fling 2008.
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