The 29th annual U-Fest was put on at the Union on Monday. The video showcases the bonzi bikes and inflatable obstacle course. Two main student directors for UAB, Amanda Kruse and Stephanie Donelko, who were the activity coordinators for U-Fest, describe the different activities and why U-Fest is important to MSU’s campus and community.
Despite a shortened Welcome Week, turnout to MSU’s 29th annual U-Fest remained consistent, attracting more than 5,000 students.
The event, hosted by the University Activities Board on Monday night in the Union, introduced students to the Union with a variety of activities and free giveaways and prizes.
Events included laser tag, inflatable birdie golf and a station for karaoke and Guitar Hero.
Setup for U-Fest was different this year, with sponsors spread throughout the Union to diminish the traffic on the second floor where it previously held all of them, said Lisa Figlan, the human resources director and chairperson of UAB. The new setup worked and some tables were out of free giveaways within minutes, UAB Assistant Manager Cathy Fitzpatrick said.
Brian Breen, brand manager for the Canada Dry Bottle Co. of Lansing, said he went through 1,248 bottled beverages in 27 minutes.
“Students know it goes away so quickly, so they come early,” said Stephanie Bierlein, a UAB assistant manager.
Bierlein said the flow of traffic was easier than in past years and could have contributed to the quick giveaways.
Breen said because of the economy, some suppliers didn’t donate as much as they had in previous years, which might have played a part in the accelerated depletion of free products.
However, students were happy with the free giveaways, regardless of how quickly they ran out. James Madison College freshman Alicia Barefield said she loved the free items. “(U-Fest) sounded like a good time, and I had a lot of fun,” Barefield said.
Adam Grant, the campus representative for Jones Soda, said it was easy to get rid of 50 cases in 26 minutes.
“We had a line out the door,” Grant said.
As for the shortened Welcome Week, Figlan said it didn’t seem to have any affect on the crowd of U-Fest.
“The only problem we ran into was that it was now on a Monday (and) a lot of our items couldn’t be delivered until after 5 p.m., which is when rush hour starts,” Figlan said.
James Madison College freshman Morgan Murphy said U-Fest was great because it exposed her to campus.
“You really feel a part of MSU,” Murphy said.
Bierlein said the highlight of U-Fest was seeing the Union full of people and life.
“It was great to put visuals with what I’ve heard of U-Fest,” Bierlein said of her first U-Fest. “It was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed it.”
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