Bands performed for a deserted lot and nachos were left uneaten due to the low turnout at the debut of Rec Fest.
The Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness hosted the concert on Saturday, April 20 from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. at North Oak Park.
Local bands including Slappy and the Whippinators, Mike Brandt and the Band, Falling from Fallacy and Vega were all in the line up for the night. Nachos and hot dogs were sold at a concession stand, Alpha Sigma Tau sold snow cones, and local businesses were present, such as Wiseguys Daiquiris. There was also a spacewalk designed to be a dueling arena for participants, as well as a “Sticky Wall” in which people could wear Velcro suits and fling themselves at an inflatable wall.
Despite all of the preparations and activities available, the Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness was disappointed to see a low turnout at Rec Fest. Organizations around campus were given the opportunity to set up fundraising booths, but many did not take advantage of that opportunity.
“We think it was just a bad weekend,” said Rebecca Schnadelbach, president of Alpha Sigma Tau who helped coordinate Rec Fest. “It’s festival season right now in the spring. We had Strawberry Fest last weekend. This weekend, we do know that one of the Greek organizations had Old South week so, KA [Kappa Alpha] couldn’t be here. Delta Tau Delta has initiation tomorrow, so I think there were unseen circumstances that we didn’t know about.”
While there were not many people present, the people who did attend Rec Fest enjoyed the concert.
“I thought that it was extremely sad that not as many came out as they wanted, and they missed a good show,” said James Bertucci, sophomore business major and member of Vega, who later said that he would be happy to have his band play for Rec Fest again next year.
Although the event did not have many participants this year, there are plans for Rec Fest to be held again next year. Schnadelbach hopes that with better marketing and timing next year, Rec Fest will be more successful.
“I think we’ll just advertise a little bit more,” said Schnadelbach. “I think in the future we should maybe go out and ask student organizations ‘If you’re interested in this, what weekends are good for you?’ and possibly change the date.”