Local Expert: U of A Spring Fling - The Largest Student-Run Carnival In The U.S!

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Spring Fling isn't your stereotypical college Spring Break event. In fact, there isn't even any beer (what?). Spring Fling is organized and run by the students of Univerisity of Arizona as a fundraiser for different clubs, groups, sororities and fraternities: in its 34-year history, Spring Fling has become the largest student-run carnival in the United States!

Every year, over 3,000 students volunteer their time, talents and effort to help put on Spring Fling...last year, over 30,000 people attended the 4-day carnival. An average of $80,000 per year gross profit is realized by the participating groups. U of A students man the food, games and work to organize the event, line up corporate sponsors and keep the fun and spirit of the event alive throughout the year.

When Spring Fling started in 1974, there were 20 booths and a few carnival rides. The event has now moved off campus to the Rillito Downs racetrack facility to occupy 7 acres framed by the beauty of Tucson's Catalina Mountains.

The tremendous effort that goes into putting together an event like this every year can only be matched by the spirit of fun and giving back to the community that students engender. Every year, the carnival is opened early for underpriveleged children to enjoy the rides free of charge. The lessons learned in every aspect of this event cannot be learned in a classroom, and neither can the reward of a child's smile.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers build award-winning burritos!

Scenes From The Midway During Sunset In Tucson

Not A Sign You'd Expect To See and Enjoy It!

The author preparing to meet his impending doom...or revisit dinner?

My hat's off to these students, and to the spirit of fun, entrepreneurship and caring that they show us each and every year! Visit the Spring Fling Website

It must be an addiction, but I can't go somewhere in Tucson without taking a photo of
the sunset!

Kent Simpson