Wet weather moves CollinsFest indoors

Despite a downpour and falling balloon arch, CollinsFest was in full swing Saturday to celebrate the end of the school year.

“We always have it no matter what the weather is,” said sophomore Julia Ritter, co-committee leader for the theme committee on the Collins Living Learning Center Board of Programmers. “It is for anyone that wants to come.”

The event featured live music, and each council within Collins organized a different activity booth.

Four bands were scheduled to appear throughout the day: Long Tree, Patchwork, Fudgers and Xenosound.

Emily Jackson, sophomore and director of environmentalism at Collins, organized a booth where participants could make their own granola.

She said she wanted to let people know they can buy sustainable foods near campus for cheap prices.

Reusable water bottles that had designs created by Volunteers in Sustainability were also available for purchase.

“It seems like a kindergarten-ish activity, but doing that helps people connect with nature,” Jackson said.

They also worked on an art project that has been in progress for about four weeks. The artwork is completely made out of recyclable materials from Collins.

When finished, it will resemble a gnome, the Collins mascot. Materials used included bottle caps, pop tabs, packing peanuts and facial tissue boxes. Jackson said they have about 3,000 bottle caps.

She said the display will also contain facts about how much Collins residents waste.
“We’re also raising awareness for the spring environmental challenge,” Jackson said.

Sabra Tolliver, one of the event’s co leaders on the Board of Programmers, said one of the booths sold old Collins T-shirts dating as far back as 1999. She said the money raised goes back into the Collins budget.

“They go pretty far back,” she said. “It really depends on how popular the welcome week theme was that year.”

Tolliver said moving CollinsFest indoors affected the event. When it is held in the courtyard, people are woken up by the music and can see people outside, she said.
Junior Meghan Hutsell, vice president of the Board of Programmers, said attendance was lower than in previous years.

“This year, we had a straight plan for what would happen if it rained,” Hutsell said. “We were at least prepared and trying to make the day as best we can. I just like seeing all of the Collins residents and other residents who come out.”