M-Fest cancelled due to weather

Forecasts for rain tomorrow have postponed one of the finale events concluding this Winter term's Environmental Theme Semester.

M-Fest, a student-organized festival, was scheduled to take place tomorrow and into the night at Palmer Field. The threat of rain forced organizers to cancel the event due to possible financial loss.

"The forecast this weekend is killing our event," said LSA sophomore Andrew Brunsden, an M-Fest organizer from the University Activities Center.

The activities of M-Fest for Palmer Field were coordinated by UAC and the sponsors of the Environmental Theme Semester, the College of Literature, Sciences and the Arts and the School of Natural Resources. Night-time events were organized by the sponsors for the theme semester, UAC and the Residence Hall Association.

M-Fest was intended to bring unity to the campus, raise money for an environmental cause and to inform students about the issue.

"This is an entertainment event turning into an educational event ... It's music with a cause," Brunsden said.

Four professional bands, a professional artist for signings, fundraising activities, free give-a-ways, a dunk tank, environmental literature tables and a side stage for various speakers and student acts were all scheduled for tomorrow.

Vanilla Ice had agreed to perform at Palmer field, but later had to decline.

The organizers said they plan to hold a similar event when students return at the beginning of the upcoming fall term.

Brunsden said there are plans to combine this semester's environmental theme with the new theme of the fall term for the rescheduled event.

"Our hopes for an annual spring festival are really high. There's a commitment to make it happen and planning (is in the works) to get the spring festival for next year," said UAC President and Engineering senior Lyell Haynes.

The M-Fest night activities are still scheduled to take place through tomorrow, including a dance in the Blue Lounge at Stockwell from 2-7 p.m. The $5 per-couple charge will be donated to the environmental organization Greenpeace.

04-17-98