For many Temple students, Spring Fling represents a sunny break from hours of flexing their academic muscles. But for a number of student leaders, the annual outdoor festival also presents the ideal venue to promote their campus organizations and raise awareness of their activities.

“Spring Fling creates an exciting celebration of the commencement of spring, and the ensuing end of the semester,” said Chris Carey, the university’s associate director of student activities. “This day highlights student organizations, promotes the Temple community and showcases student talent. It allows students the opportunity to have fun, learn about ways to get involved and foster a sense of belonging among the student body.”

This year’s event will be held Wednesday, April 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., throughout the walkways on Main Campus. (Rain date is Thursday, April 19.) Among the event’s most anticipated attractions, said Carey, are Segway rides in Founders Garden, bungee trampolines at the Bell Tower, a balloon artist on Liacouras Walk and the National Pan-Hellenic Council Spring Fling Step Show. In addition, popular musical performances showcased  at the Bell Tower will return this year.

“Four student bands will perform along with other performances of spoken word, juggling and a cappella music,” said Carey, adding that DJs from W.H.I.P. radio will also appear between sets.

Although any student organization can participate in Spring Fling, some are unable to raise funds necessary to purchase an exhibitors table. The event coordinators hope that a recent twist in student organization fundraising will draw larger numbers than previous years.

“I see a lot more organizations wanting to do Spring Fling,” said Tania Neptune, president of Main Campus Program Board. “It’s a great opportunity to market yourself. It’s a big unity thing, especially for the new organizations to come and showcase themselves.”

According to Neptune, this year’s event has been anticipated for weeks, as evidenced by the many student groups selling Spring Fling branded t-shirts at the intersection of Liacouras and Polett walks.

“We want students to go to every single table,” she said. “Every organization put a lot of hard work into this, so it’s really important for students to support these organizations.”

And although event orgaznizers want students to participate in all of the day’s events, one point is clear, said Neptune: “We do not support skipping classes.”