University plans first in-person Spring Fair since 2019

The University held its 51st Annual Spring Fair on the weekend of April 28 – May 1, marking the first in-person Spring Fair since 2019. This was the second Spring Fair planned by the University’s Office of Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development (LEED). University administrators took over planning last year in the wake of the Spring Fair Planning Committee’s misconduct allegations. 

Senior Amanda Fernandes, co-president of WJHU radio, explained the organization’s involvement in helping to plan Spring Fair in an interview with The News-Letter. She said that WJHU worked with LEED to present ‘WJHU’s Spring Show,’ which showcased undergraduate and graduate student musicians.

“This is not something that's ever been done at Spring Fair but I had always thought that our school needed a place to showcase student musicians who aren't in registered student groups,” she said. “It’s pretty exciting!”

In an interview with The News-Letter, freshman Christina Fahmy said she enjoyed experiencing the live music performed by student bands and artists.

Other events included lawn games and activities, local food and drink vendors, the Beer Garden, fireworks, the Charm City Songwriters Showcase and an arts market. 

In an interview with The News-Letter, freshman Liz Peron acknowledged the University highlighting Baltimore-owned businesses.

“I think it’s really cool that Hopkins is giving us the opportunity to engage with the Baltimore community,” she said. “I loved walking around and exploring the different food trucks and the arts marketplace. I just wish that everything was a little more affordable.”

Fahmy echoed Peron’s comments saying she appreciated the local vendors and wished the University had invited more local artists, artisans and businesses to cater to a larger proportion of the community. 

“The event could be improved if they were to bring in more vegan and vegetarian options at the food stalls, and perhaps a flower mart or something similar to a farmer’s market as part of the arts market,” she said.

Fernandes added that in her experience in coordinating with the University, she found the administrators to be receptive. 

Fahmy also expressed her disappointment that some events, like the Beer Garden, were inaccessible for most of the student body, saying that it made a part of the campus, the Decker Garden, inaccessible to many students who enjoy going there.

Peron expressed that she enjoyed the events overall.

“I found that I really liked how lively the campus was and all of the activities planned for us,” she said. “It was a fun way to end the semester!”