fling 2000: Penn students ready, willing and able to Fling

Spring Fling begins today with festivities in the Quad ranging from performing arts groups to food vendors and games. After much anticipation, Spring Fling is finally here. The festivities will be unleashed at 11 a.m. today in the Quadrangle, commencing Penn's 27th annual Spring Fling. With all the activities in store, everyone will be asking to "Fling Me Baby One More Time." The Quad will rock for two days with a variety of musical acts, games, local food vendors and student groups. This year's Fling is themed after the first hit single from teen pop queen Britney Spears. Student performing arts groups as well as local bands will take the stage throughout the day on both Friday and Saturday. "We have lined up some really great bands and performing arts groups," said Fling Co-Chair Mike Silverstein, a College junior and 34th Street magazine editor. On Friday, groups including the Arts House Dance Company, Flights 19 and the Penn Jazz Ensemble will perform on stages in the Upper and Lower Quads. Also on Friday, singer-songwriter Tracy Bonham will perform in the Quad at 2:20 p.m. Bonham, who recently released her third album Down Here, is opening for Ben Folds Five on their current tour. In the Upper Quad, various student groups -- including the College Republicans, the Korean Student Association and the Penn Leukemia Society -- will set up booths. This year, local companies including Parfumerie Douglas, Philly2nite.com, Council Travel and others will also host booths. Hungry students can head down to Lower Quad, where food vendors such as Allegro's Pizza, Kiss Foods and Smitty's Fries will offer edible treats. After sampling all the refreshments, students looking for a bit more physical activity can surmount a giant mock-rock climbing wall that will be erected in Upper Quad. Friday will feature a mock joust and on Saturday students can look forward to a bungee challenge. All the activity is not restricted to the Quad, however. From 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. today, Locust Walk will be filled with artisans selling their wares at Crafts Fair 2000, which will feature everything from picture frames to silver jewelry. Though activities in the Quad officially end at 6 p.m., the fun will not stop as the sun goes down. On Friday night, DJ Young Eller, the Philadelphia-based Roots and Ben Folds Five will take the stage on Hill Field -- rain or shine. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., with admission to the field opening at 7 p.m. Tickets have been on sale all week on Locust Walk and will be available at the door. Prices are $20 for students with PennCards and $25 for the general public. Saturday's schedule in the Quad features Strictly Funk, the Quaker Notes, Pennsylvania Six-5000, Mask and Wig and others. Saturday evening, students can head over to Hamilton Village for a tropical adventure at the Hawaiian-themed carnival. Beginning at 8 p.m., the event will feature free games, prizes, novelties and food. And afterward, the Social Planning and Events Committee will be hosting a pancake breakfast in the Class of 1920 Commons dining hall from midnight to 3 a.m. Throughout the weekend, souvenirs will be available in the Quad. Fling T-shirts are priced at $10 each, and key chains, frisbees and glowsticks will also be available.

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