Tuftonia's day has unprecedented attendance

Tuftonia's Day, an annual birthday party for Tufts and the official alumni holiday, was an unprecedented success, despite a postponement from last Thursday to Friday, due to rain, and concern over the feasibility of a fireworks display. The event, organized by the Spirit Coalition, has been held for the past four years on the third week in April and generally includes a barbeque and fireworks display.

This year there was an estimated turnout of about 1,000, up from 300 in past years, according to Spirit Coalition co-chair, senior Meghan Sweeney. "It was actually the best year for the event," she said.

The fireworks display was smaller than previously planned, due to concerns that local residents might associate the noise with a terrorist attack or bombing. The Medford Fire Chief, Frank Gilberti, explained that a city fireworks display after the US entered Afghanistan two years ago caused the 911 system to be flooded with phone calls from local residents who associated the loud noise with a terrorist attack.

The Spirit Coalition, who planned the event, and the administration compromised by moving the event from alumni field by Cousens gym to the Residential Quad and downplaying the fireworks display.

In past years, fireworks have reached heights of roughly 200 ft. This year they were reduced to about 40 to 50 feet with the highest reaching around 100 feet., TUPD Captain Mark Keith said.

According to Sweeney, the change in location and date actually helped the event. "The location in the Res Quad made it better," she said, "because people were right there." Additionally, increased advertising and an e-mail from the Dean of Students about the changed date, ensured that more people were aware of the event.

Senior Gerrett Hansen agreed that the event worked out best this year. According to Hansen, having the celebration closer to everything and the buildings makes it feel more like a real campus event. The fireworks held up well, too, he said.

With Spring Fling cancelled, many students appreciated the opportunity to spend time with the community. "We don't have many social events... It's so nice that people can just chill," freshman Kasia Iwakoshi said. "I think it will be a good memory."

The increased attendance led to a problem with slow food service, however. One student claims he waited over an hour in line and the event staff ran out of buns, drinks, and plates. Freshmen Ilya Cozovski and Daniel Greison both complained about the long lines and the slow food service. The event staff had not anticipated such a large turnout, Sweeney said, explaining the food service problems.

Other highlights of the event included Spring Fling giveaways and a performance by The Mark, a Tufts band.