Planning To Attend Spring Carnival Events? Think Ahead
By Heidi Opdyke
Space won’t be quite as tight as inside a Sweepstakes buggy, but you better make your Spring Carnival reservations early.
“With all reunions happening at Spring Carnival this year, space is at a premium, so many activities are requiring advance registration,” said Dan Barnett, director of on-campus programs for Alumni Relations.
Reservations are being accepted now through April 8 for Spring Carnival activities.
“Last year, we saw more than 2,000 alumni, students, families and friends attend events. Our goal this year is to have more than 3,000,” Barnett said. “We’re really excited that there is more passion behind the weekend and more alumni wanting to be a part of Carnival. Tepper and Heinz are also doing their reunions as part of this weekend, which adds events.”
The increase in activities and expected attendees will limit parking as well.
“As with every Carnival, parking is limited on campus. We are encouraging people to carpool, make alternative arrangements and avoid having to park on campus that weekend. The hotels we work with will have shuttles to campus and we have added evening shuttle service to those hotels as well,” Barnett said.
Anniversary celebrations this year that are free but require registration include The Tartan’s 105th Anniversary Reception, the WRCT 60th Anniversary Reception and the Scotch’n’Soda fifth Annual Alumni & Student Reception, to name a few.
Additional free events include many college and school programs such as CIT Alumni Buggy Breakfast, the Buggy Alumni Reception, School of Architecture Thesis Reviews & Critiques, SoArch Alumni Reception, the Mellon College of Science Ice Cream Social, H&SS Reunion Lunch, MechE Alumni BBQ, CMARC’s Open House and more. For the complete schedule, visit www.cmu.edu/alumni/carnival.
Athletics also is planning an all-university open house, and the School of Music will have an Alumni Sing to honor Robert Page. Dramatic performances this year include the School of Drama’s production of “The Alice Project,” and Scotch’n’Soda’s production of “Cabaret.” More information on those events will be available on the website.
Last year, the Loyal Scots Program was introduced at Spring Carnival. The program recognizes students and alumni who show their dedication, passion and continued commitment to the university. To be eligible, members must update their contact information, attend an event or volunteer, make a gift and advocate for the university. Learn more about the program at www.cmu.edu/loyalscots.
“At each welcome area, we will have information about the program and enable alumni and students to become Loyal Scots,” Barnett said. “We’re excited to celebrate the program’s one year anniversary. We will have several exclusive events for Loyal Scots.
“Everyone’s favorite things will also be back including Mobot Races, Sweepstakes and booths on the Midway,” he said. “We invite the entire university community to the Alumni Association All Campus BBQ which will take place on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. We look forward to a great Spring Carnival & Reunion Weekend!”
Carnival booths and the midway are perennial favorites during Spring Carnival.