The clouds finally parted Saturday, drawing Binghamton University students outside for a day of food, rides and music at Spring Fling.

The day ended with a performance by Girl Talk that had several thousand students rocking out both on stage and in a crowd that spread from the Student Wing to the New University Union.

More than 70 student groups raised money for various organizations and set up activities along the spine throughout the day and, although Girl Talk did not come on stage until 8 p.m., local student bands and performers provided live entertainment.

A variety of new attractions were featured this year, such as a skydiving simulator, an oxygen bar and mechanical bulls. Spring Fling also featured four time-honored rides, the Pirate Ship, the Round Up, the Sizzler and the Sidewinder, with one new addition ‘ the Tempest.

Stephanie Dainow, a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, got to participate in the skydiving simulation and said it was something she would never forget.

‘It was an incredible experience. It literally felt like I was being blown into the sky,’ Dainow said.

For those students who didn’t get a chance to sign up for the skydiving simulation, there were many other attractions, such as inflatable rock walls, slides, Velcro walls, an inflatable obstacle course and the EuroBungy. If a student had a fear of heights or simply wanted to avoid long lines, he or she could partake in several activities, including making waxed hands, dream catchers and jewelry, posing in a photo booth and getting airbrush tattoos.

Erin York, an undeclared freshman, enjoyed making a wax hand.

‘It was really cool and by far my favorite,’ York said.

Spring Fling also brought an assortment of classic carnival foods ‘ providing the full carnival experience ‘ which included fried dough, fried Oreos, candy apples, snow cones and cotton candy, as well as hamburgers, Spiedies and french fries.

After a long day of activities, students crowded around the main stage to see Girl Talk perform.

Gabrielle Ciaccia, a junior double-majoring in sociology and studio art, said she was a little skeptical when she first heard Girl Talk was performing, but changed her mind by the end of the concert.

‘The mixes were great, everyone looked like they were having a blast; it was like one giant dance party,’ Ciaccia said.

Marc Gebler, a senior majoring in mathematical sciences, was also unsure of Girl Talk’s potential.

‘I thought it was going to be lame, as all Girl Talk had to do was turn on his iPod, but he really worked the crowd and made it an awesome experience,’ Gebler said.

Whether it was their last Spring Fling or their first, most students agreed that the Student Association Programming Board came through in terms of planning a successful event.

‘Spring Fling is a great way for BU students to get together and learn things about the organizations on campus,’ Michele Gordon, a junior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, said.