Strong winds threatened to blow away booths on a blustery yet sunny Saturday. The Shippensburg University Activities Programming Board (APB) hosted its annual RaiderFest in Commuter Lot 7 on April 26.
APB president Christopher Paoli said, “[One goal of the event is] just to create a huge celebration that everyone can enjoy. Just at the end of the year, everyone’s stressed, it’s nice to go to something for free and be able to win free prizes.”
RaiderFest provided participants with activities such as a rock wall, balloon animal stand and sand art. Fairgoers could try their hand at carnival games like cornhole, bocce, ring toss and more.
The victors in each game were eligible to design their own custom tumblers, air brushed pillowcases, spin art frisbees, street signs and photo key chains.
At one activity, leap of faith, students could climb a ladder and jump off, landing on a giant cushion.
“I liked feeling on top and like I was jumping out into the world. It was awesome,” said Angeline Rodriguez after her leap.
The following SU clubs volunteered at the event: P.O.T.T.E.R, Quidditch Club, Lambda Chi Alpha, Student Senate, Kappa Delta Phi, Social Work Organization, SU Marching Band, School of Academic Programs & Services, Circle K, SU Homecoming Committee, Ski & Snowboard Club, REACT, The Slate and Mini-Thon.
RaiderFest was sponsored by the following businesses: Shippensburg University Bookstore, PSECU, Madison/ Brookside and Creekside Court Apartments, Bard Townhouses, The National Guard, Meadows Frozen Custard of Chambersburg, Red Robin, Cluggys Family Amusement Center, and Chartwells Dining Services.
All fairgoers were given a punch card, $3 for non-SU students with ID and children and $5 for the general public. Each SU student received his or her first punch card free and after that paid $3 for each additional card. All proceeds benefited the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to children in need and their families. The event went from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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