Spring Fling attendance triples to record high this year

Decreased ticket prices, raffle prizes and a change in the dress code led to the highest-attended Spring Fling dinner dance in Wilkes Student Government history at Genetti's on Friday night.

"There (were) 348 people on the attendance list, which is almost triple of last year's number," said Kevin Hopper, SG's corresponding secretary.

Hopper said there were a few reasons that the attendance tripled. For one, SG slashed ticket prices in half. If students dressed in accordance with the black-and-white ball theme, they received a raffle ticket good for a chance to win a Tiffany's bracelet, a Citizen watch and an iPad 2.

"This year we (started) our raffle for Spring Fling to try to get people to show an interest, to participate in our event, so I definitely think the raffles are something that (drew) attention," Hopper said. "With the raffles we (did) the black and white dress code as to try to create a sense of unity."

According to Student Government recording secretary Samantha Schuler, Student Government created more hype for this year's Spring Fling through other means besides traditionally selling tickets in the SUB.

"We (had) signs around the SUB promoting (Spring Fling)," she said. "We've also handed out candy bars this year, we've advertised what we're giving out."

Students received champagne glasses as souvenirs, so even if they didn't win a raffle, they didn't go home empty-handed.

Sophomore environmental engineering major Elizabeth Heisel, who won the iPad 2, said she was planning to call just about everyone she knew after her number came up in the raffle.

"I don't win anything usually," Heisel said.

On the other hand, sophomore pharmacy major Brenton Shaffer had a feeling he would be the one to win the Citizen watch.

"In the back of my head I was, 'I want to win this so bad,' cause I really wanted it so bad and when they started (calling names) I was like, 'I think this is going to be me,' and it was," Shaffer said. "It's a good feeling."

A photo booth was also available throughout the night for students to take photos with their friends.

"I think we took on more responsibility for these dances like by getting more favors, making more of the things ourselves, having new ideas come about," Schuler said. "It's just been really on top of things this year compared to last year."

Most students who attended this year's Spring Fling enjoyed themselves and some even noted that the ballroom was fuller than it was in previous years.

"It's a splendid time. I was here last year and they always have a pretty good DJ, the food's always pleasant, and I'm very glad; I just love to dance," said sophomore criminology major Tim Fisher.

Fisher and his date, freshman pharmacy major Julie Miller, were pleased with the decorations this year. Miller thought the souvenir glasses inscribed with Spring Fling 2011 were nice to commemorate the moment.

"I think it (was) up to my expectations," Fisher said. "It didn't overly exceed them but I was very happy with the night's offerings," Fisher said.

Miller agreed, adding that she liked how the black-and-white dress code wasn't strictly enforced.

"I liked how it was a black and white theme but you didn't have to wear black and white, it was just encouraged but there (was) a big mix out there," Miller said.

Miller and Fisher said they are glad with this year's Spring Fling turnout and would be more than willing to go to another dance like this one.

SG is pleased Spring Fling went well and said it will continue with its advertising, raffles and favors as promotion incentives for students to attend future events they host.