Student Life hosts annual Spring Fling

Baruch’s annual Spring Fling Street Fair was hosted last Thursday May 3, shutting down traffic on 25th Street between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue.

The fair, organized by Baruch’s Undergraduate Student Government (USG) drew crowds by fulfilling their promises of free food, including 500 free pizzas provided by USG, giveaways and giant inflatables.

The club hour event was set to a high-volume backdrop provided by WBMB and DJ Telly Tell. WBMB Marketing Director Matteo Alioto handed out giveaways from Sony.

“Spring Fling was awesome. WBMB is bringing the party and the ruckus. Wish the weather had been nicer but we’re still having fun,” commented Alioto. 

One of the most popular facets of the event was the t-shirt giveaway by USG. Four thousand of the student government’s most popular Baruch-themed t-shirts were handed out for free to large crowds of enthused students.

“All the stations throughout Spring Fling were run really efficiently. From the food to the wristbands to the t-shirts to the dunk tank, they all ran smoothly, and created a safe and positive environment,” said USG Treasurer Ramneet Sachdev. 

Committee member Camille O’Brien noted that the rapidness on the line for pizza was an important success to her.

“Things went great. One of the biggest complaints from last year was the long wait for food, and the lines have been moving along flawlessly,” she explained.

Hula dancers, hired by the committee, attracted a major audience, including Director of Student Life Shadia Sachedina, who remarked that Spring Fling this year has been “great.”

The dancers invited students to join in on some dances. Committee member Camille O’Brien was one such student. She later commented, “I may have a future in poi dancing.”

Following an extended hula performance, the Music and Performing Arts Guild (MPAG) performed a dance routine. The routine featured three female Baruch students and led to performances by other groups, many of which were presented Baruch Greek life. Resultantly, for a time, the crowd around WBMB’s stage was primarily composed of sorority and fraternity members.

Committee member Malcolm Johnson served as the event’s MC. He successfully managed to smoothly transition between the various performances.

Professor Denise Patrick later introduced Robert Taylor Jr., known better by many as “The WoOoOo Man.” The performer, who has been on “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “American Idol,” broke apart the crowd as he performed “Break it Down.”

A flash mob was supposed to perform a dance routine during the event, however the effect of the mob was almost unnoticeable.

Numerous clubs also participated in Spring Fling by setting up tables with smaller-scaled activities. Push up competitions, giveaways and more food options were available throughout the special club area.

“Spring Fling went pretty well, I know this year we didn’t have any performers but there’s still a pretty good crowd,” said USG Vice President Daniel Liong towards the event’s conclusion.

The gray weather did not appear to frighten away too many Baruch students. WBMB’s music served as a guide to where the party was for those passing through, and continuous pizza deliveries kept students hanging around.

USG President Antonio Alfonso said, “It was unfortunate that the weather wasn’t ideal, but the planning was great from Retroed brand t-shirts to the 30 foot slide to the mini golf. Spring Fling pulled in the great things from the past year.”