Students took a break from studying for finals Saturday to enjoy the second-ever Tommie Fest. The end-of-year celebration was organized by St. Thomas Activities and Recreation and included games, food and music on the John P. Monahan Plaza and in Scooter’s.
This is the second year STAR has held the event. Previously, St. Thomas held an annual spring concert at the end of the semester. Assistant Director of Campus Life Krysten Edwards said students seem to enjoy the addition of carnival games and activities, as well as the larger concert.
“Students like carnivals, games and music, so if we can bring all of that into one event that’s what we want to do,” Edwards said. “The hope is that it gets bigger every year and we add some more stuff.”
Some of the activities included body art, face paint, caricatures and photo booths. Students also enjoyed larger amusements like giant trike races, Dance Dance Revolution, a climbing wall, zorb ball racing and a gyroscope. Student performers including freshman Joe Perry, senior Keegan White, sophomores Liz Legatt, Kelly Robeck and Rachel McCrank and the Summit Singers showcased their singing talents on the plaza.
Senior and STAR intern Calvin Leszczynski helped organize the event. He thought the games were a good addition to the festival.
“I think students like the variety,” Leszczynski said. “Almost all of the games are new this year compared to last. It’s stuff that you don’t usually see at events here.”
Country singer Easton Corbin and opener Mickey Guyton drew a crowd later that night as the Tommie Fest events migrated to the James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall in the Anderson Student Center. Sophomore Kathryn Foltz was excited to attend the performance.
“His (Corbin’s) songs are really big right now, so it’s exciting to have someone here that we know,” Foltz said.
While the event had a good turnout, some students were concerned about Tommie Fest being so close to finals. Freshman Sarah Windschitl took time to enjoy the festivities but also expressed her need to study.
“I think it’s a fun event, but I kind of wish it happened last week because of finals. I’m not sure if I should be here or if I should be studying,” Windschitl said.
Senior and STAR intern Megan Gruber works specifically on organizing large events like Tommie Fest. Gruber said the festival is a good way to end the school year.
“It’s the last big event everyone can participate in. It is a good time to get together with friends before finals and before graduation,” Gruber said.
Claire Noack can be reached at noac8702@stthomas.edu.