The Spring Formal, sponsored by the Association of Amherst Students is the main event on Friday. "The theme of this year's Formal is 'Enchantment Under the Sea.' Last year, over 800 students came, and we expect an even greater turnout this time around," said Mike Flood '03, who is organizing the event.
All students, staff and faculty members of the College received invitations to the formal. The event is admission-free. According to Flood, a 7,800 square foot tent will be set up this week behind the Alumni House. "The interior will be decorated with the underwater theme in mind," he said.
The Infractions, a Boston-based cover band will play again at this year's Formal. Hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served throughout the night. The first 600 guests will receive commemorative souvenirs.
"Along with the rest of the Spring Formal Committee, I am very excited about the event, and I expect it to be a huge success. There are so few events on this campus like the Formal that really bring people together," said Flood.
On Saturday, SoCo will sponsor a new Spring Weekend event, a campus-wide kickball tournament on the Freshman Quad during the day. The Roots will perform a concert sponsored by the Program Board on Saturday evening.
Sunday will also be full of events. "[It] is the big day for SoCo. We are doing our annual carnival outside in the social quad, which includes a bunch of carnival events such as the blow up obstacle course and other toys in addition to cotton candy, fried dough, etc.," said Missy Mordy '03, co-chair of SoCo. The committee is also sponsoring a battle of the bands contest and a battle of the sexes competition put on by the social dorm resident counselors. SoCo will give out t-shirts and other memorabilia to commemorate the weekend. The weekend will conclude with an 18+ bar night at The Monkey Bar.
"[SoCo] usually spends around $10,000 and is spending a little more than that this year in order to also help fund other groups with their activities," said Mordy. "I think it should be a very successful weekend ... [SoCo] is always extremely pleased with the amount of students and faculty that attend."