King Kong and a Tyrannosaurus rex took over Binghamton University’s Peace Quad on Saturday at the 24th annual University Fest.
In addition to sliding down the backs of the inflatable-slide versions of the creatures, students had the chance to take part in Zumba classes, zoom across a zip line and scale a rock-climbing wall Saturday. The main attraction, though, proved to be the nearly 350 tables that lined the Peace Quad and the walkway between University Union and the Admissions Center. Strolling from table to table picking up freebies and playing games, students had the chance to learn about BU’s student organizations, campus culture and the city of Binghamton itself.
Ryan Blank, a senior double-majoring in nursing and psychology, sat behind one of those tables. He said he saw things from a different perspective, as he worked the Campus Recreation table this year for the first time.
“We’re just trying to get people involved,” Blank said. “I wish I could walk around and do stuff today, but I’m still meeting new people and it’s really fun.”
For the second year, University Fest also included club sports organizations after BU’s Recreation Fest merged with the Welcome Week event.
Isabella Weiner, an undeclared freshman, appreciated the one-stop shop nature of the event.
“This is a good way to see what’s going on on campus, because it’s hard to find it for yourself,” Weiner said.
Anna Levenberg, an undeclared freshman, said that she felt it was difficult to find things at the event.
“I saw a booth with a list of clubs, but it didn’t have any locations,” Levenberg said. “You definitely have to walk through the entire quad to find what you’re looking for.”
In the midst of the hundreds of student organizations and vendors, faculty members and departments also made their way to University Fest.
“As a staff person, I appreciate that professors and faculty are taking time out of their Saturday to mix and mingle with students,” said Jennifer Keegin, associate director for campus activities. “It gives students the chance to take advantage of their options at Binghamton.”
University Fest was initially created to ring in the new school year and inform the community that students were back on campus.
“It originally was a lot of vendors from the community that were invited on campus to bridge the gap between students and community members,” Keegin said. “Over the years, it has morphed into more student organizations advertising than vendors.”
Community vendors promoted events to continue to bridge that gap, including the biannual Restaurant Week, when most restaurants in the city of Binghamton offer reduced prices on special menu items.Erica Miner, of Water Street Brewing Company, said she sees University Fest as an opportunity to get more students to Downtown Binghamton.
“There are so many awesome restaurants and so many things to see, like Muralfest and mosaics,” Miner said. “It’s a way to get students away and see what Binghamton has to offer.”