Credit:@MattatuckMuseum
Saint Leo University’s annual event, Spring Fling approached, quickly. Preceding the Neon Carnival that was held on Saturday, Mar. 3. CAB kicked things off with an Ice Cream and Tie Dye Social on Friday, Mar. 2. at 11:30 AM. Students stopped by the SAB green to tie dye shirts and grab an icy treat.
Jessica Weaver, CAB’s Assistant for Traditional Programming, was in charge of planning this event. Weaver chose Tie Dye because it was a way for students to have fun but stated that the real motive behind the Tie Dye and Ice Cream Social was Green Dot.
“Green Dot did it before and it was successful. I saw everyone wearing their tie dye t-shirts around campus.,” said Weaver. “A lot of students like to be creative, so we offered them another chance to get a free t-shirt and wear it when they wanted to, preferably at Spring Fling.”
CAB provided white t-shirts in various sizes with the words “Spring Fling” printed on them for students to customize. Supplies like dye, gloves and everything else were stocked and ready to go. Students were free to show off their creativity and dye their shirts any color they decided to, and the white tees looked great coated in multiple, vibrant colors. There were some students liked the simplicity of the design so much, they took a blank, white t-shirt just to wear around campus.
Ice cream was provided for everyone in the sizzling hot, 82 degree weather. Most people dyed their shirts, then cooled off with chocolate covered ice cream, popsicles, or ice cream sandwiches. Others stopped by solely just for the quick, cool snack.
“We wanted to feed them the information that they needed to know for that night. Ice cream was an incentive,” said Weaver.
The event was also a good way for students to interact with one another. Since there were so many students around, there was endless chatter, conversations, and laughter.
Sophomore and international student Haley Knowles worked the event. Her job was to promote the activity “Cards Against Hypnosis.” This was another event held in attempt to promote Spring Fling. Haley gave out free cups with “CAB” on them to those interested in hearing about what was planned for that night.
“This was so fun. I loved seeing how creative everyone was being,” said Knowles.
Weaver’s overall expectations of the Tie Dye social were greatly exceeded.
“I didn’t think they would get rid of all the shirts or the ice cream so quickly,” Weaver stated.
Knowing shirts were a popular giveaway on campus, Weaver figured that the event would be a success. Although the ice cream showed up an hour late, it was gone in a flash.
Everything went perfectly and the social was unforgettable. Fashionable art was created, appetites were filled, and friendships and lasting memories were made.
