Collins to spread love through Nutella Fest on Saturday

One suggestion on the events Facebook page is Nutella body painting.

Another person asks “Why can’t every day be Nutella day?”

Whether body painting or an official “Nutella day” will occur is unknown, Saturday will mark the third year for Collins Living-Learning Center’s Nutella Fest.

The festival will be from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. in the Collins’ courtyard and veranda despite ongoing construction. In the event of rain, the festival will be in the Collins’ Edmondson Dining Hall.

Funding for this year’s Nutella Fest was greater than previous years due to a grant from the Office of Diversity Education.

Director of Arts and Culture for the Residence Hall Association Marianna Eble also provided funding through her directorship, as well as Collins LLC.

Because it is not strictly a Collins event, all students are invited.

“We just want to share the love of Nutella,” Eble said. “It’s the best hazelnut spread.”
The event began four years ago when senior and IDS employee Ted Somerville combined his love of dancing and Nutella. Since then, the festival has grown to more than 20 performers and utilize gallons of Nutella.

Many local performers as well as some from Indianapolis and Chicago will be at the festival. Dance styles range from ballet to “krumping,” and there will be performers such as the Velours, Lord of the Yum Yum and the IU BBoys.

The performances will be accompanied by free food, including Nutella, ice cream and many complementary choices.

“We are hoping to get people from all different communities,” Somerville said. “All of these dancers represent the unique communities we have at IU, and we should
celebrate diversity.”

Due to the larger budget for this year’s festival, senior and event technical coordinator for Collins LLC Isaac Wilson said he expects this year to be bigger than previous years.

“It should be a lot more energetic and crowded,” he said. “It helps spread the love
of Nutella.”