Springfest just around the corner...

By: By TYLER VAS

Posted: 2/15/04

About four or five years ago, a World War II tank destroyer towered over the visitors at Springfest, says Frank Pologruto, director of Student Activities and Housing.

The behemoth, which weighed more than 22 tons, was the pride of a World War II re-enactment group participating in Springfest's Living History segment, Pologruto says.

"It's like a mobile museum," Pologruto says. "These groups bring history to life."

Springfest has become a fixture on the Northampton Community College calendar since its birth 26 years ago. The carnival, held the first Sunday in May on the College's Bethlehem campus, promotes a different sponsoring school district's academic program every year.

But Springfest features more than academics. Last year, visitors heard the Grease Band, the Dave Roper Trio jazz band and school bands. They also saw Emergency Medical Service demonstrations and the Allentown Corvette Show.

This year's Springfest is sponsoring the Bethlehem Area School District and possibly will feature both the Liberty and Freedom high school bands.

"We're thinking of having the bands on separate stages and maybe having a Battle of the Bands," says Student Activities Administrator Laurie-Ann Tomsho.

Other attractions will include Physics/Engineering and Early Childhood major club booths, BMX Bikers, and school district performances, says NCC's associate registrar, Melissa Starace.

If possible, NCC tries to involve NCC athletic teams in the festival, Tomsho says. A game on campus helps draw people to the College.

NCC faculty, faculty sponsors from school districts, and community volunteers bring Springfest to life, Tomsho says. "Everyone shows pride in NCC."

Setup for Springfest starts two weeks before the one-day event.

The event is well-organized, Starace says. It's just a matter of "putting the pieces together."

The event pays for itself. On a nice day, 20,000 to 30,000 people show up, Tomsho says.

Springfest is a marketing concept for the College, with a large part of the revenue going to college funds. The event brought in $40,000 last year, with $7,000 going to the College's scholarship fund, Tomsho says.

NCC's Student Clubs set up their own booths and hold events. Last year the Sports Management Club won a plaque for having the most creative booth after getting the Valley Dawg Cheerleaders to perform, Tomsho says.

Student participation is important. "I would love to have more students involved," Starace says. "Students' ideas help with the setup; I just want students to enjoy it."

Springfest is advertised around the community. Posters, radio stations, newspaper ads, fliers and Route 22 billboards showcase the event two weeks before it kicks off.

Springfest, held on the east side of Kopecek Hall, will be presented from noon to 5 p.m. May 2. Students interested in helping should contact Tomsho at 610-861-5576 or LTomsho@northampton.edu