Fling theme: 3-ring circus

The theme for this year's Spring Fling will be "Three Ring Fling: The Greatest Fling on Earth," organizers said last night. According to Matt Jacobson, spring fling co-director and College senior, the Spring Fling Committee is hoping to create "one big carnival-type, circus-type atmosphere, with everybody having a good time relaxing before finals set in." Jeff Anapolsky, co-director and College and Wharton senior, said that the Quadrangle will be "decorated around a circus theme." "It's going to look like a circus atmosphere," he said, although he would not elaborate on the specifics. According to Jacobson and another co-director, Leila Graham-Willis, the selection of the theme was a group effort. Jacobson said that each of the 60 committee members had input in the theme's selection. Graham-Willis, a Wharton senior, said there was "a huge list" of ideas under consideration. Among those not making the cut were "Tropical Fling," "Fiesta Fling," and "I've Flung . . . And I Can't Get Up!" she said. All three of the planners declined to comment on the selection of the Spring Fling band. Last year's band was the rhythm and blues group, Blues Traveler. In past years, the planning process for Spring Fling has been criticized by some student groups who claimed that planners were not taking the University's social and cultural diversity into account. But organizers said they are trying to counteract such criticisms this year. "We're making a huge effort to meet with all of the minority groups individually," Graham-Willis said. "We're making a concerted effort to try to find things that appeal to everyone at Spring Fling," Jacobson said. Anapolsky said a newsletter had been sent to students living on and off campus which mentioned four ways students could become involved in Spring Fling -- T-shirt design, performing acts, airband, and student vendors. Jacobson said Spring Fling has not yet lined up a corporate sponsor. Last year, the Ronkin Group partially sponsored the three-day event. "[The Social Planning Events Committee is] our primary sponsor," he said. "We haven't secured a corporate sponsor as of yet." "[A corporate sponsor is] not a requirement for Spring Fling to be successful," he said, although he said a corporate sponsor would "allow us to expand certain things." Jacobson said the planners were still negotiating with potential sponsors, and that a sponsor might soon surface. "Something could come out of it within the next week or two," he said. (CUT LINE) Please see FLING, page 9 FLING, from page 1 No H&J; required. Do not bother inserting ! -- Michael ' It's going to look like a circus atmosphere. ' Jeff Anapolsky Fling co-director (for page 9 No H&J; required. Do not bother inserting ! -- Michael ' We're making a concerted effort to try to find things that appeal to everyone at Spring Fling. ' Matt Jacobson Fling co-director