The Rides
When was the last time you rode on a tilt-a-whirl? Sure, the safety of the rides is questionable, the cleanliness is irksome and the prices are inflated, but you'll definitely get off the ride smiling. Hopkins usually doesn't remind people of their carefree childhood, so students should take the opportunity to have a silly experience in front of Garland. It's also fun to sit next to the little kids and catch some of their fright.
Also, for those students in relationships, it is very romantic to ride the ferris wheel with your significant other. Have a moment right out of the movies by giving your gal (or guy) a kiss when the ferris wheel is stopped at the top.
The Funnel Cake
The best thing about fairs and carnivals is the food, and Spring Fair always does a great job of bringing food vendors to campus.
You can't feel bad about eating an entire weekend's worth of deep fried food; that is what Spring Fair is all about. Start your dinner off with a hot dog on a stick, have some cotton candy or candy apples on the side, and finish off with my personal favorite, the funnel cake. And make sure you add a lot of powdered sugar. Also, make sure to share -- funnel cake is better when eaten with friends.
The Musical Acts
Whether you're more of a Guster fan or a Talib Kweli fan, Spring Fair gets some pretty big acts to come to our humble research academy. Although the acts are never everyone's favorite, the Spring Fair committee gets credit for changing the musical type from year to year, so that most students can see a concert they really like at least once in their four years here.
Spring Fair also showcases campus and local bands on the Gilman steps. Supporting the Baltimore art scene is important, and you might see the quiet kid who lived down the hall from you freshman year rocking out in his very own band.
The Sense of Community
Not only is Spring Fair the only event each year that gets everyone from Hopkins involved, it also builds community in Charles Village and Baltimore.
You can see the Mayor of Baltimore play with his irish rock band, vendors come from across the city, state and sometimes country to sell items, and local kids get to have a day of fun.
Spring Fair adds to the local economy, gets students out of the library, and makes Hopkins' relationship with Baltimore stronger. There is also an area for nonprofit organizations to put up tables and hand out information to the community.
The Beer Garden
The Beer Garden is awesome for several reasons. First, the student body gets drunk in President Brody's front lawn. Second, student groups sell beer to their peers and raise money. Third, there is a lot of beer. Fourth, someone always ends up in the fountain.
The Beer Garden is the only time when the administration supports (of age) student drinking, and that is something that should be taken advantage of to the fullest extent.
There is nothing to complain about unless you're one of the underage students watching the festivities from the outside.
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