Spring has sprung, and Bakersfield College is ready to welcome it.

Spring Fling 2003 will commence April 7 offering all-day activities like water balloon dodge ball, darts, bowling, henna tattoos and fair style food sale throughout the week. The festivities continue through April 11, featuring events such as a tug-o-war, a petting zoo, tricycle jousting, and a version of “Fear Factor.” BC clubs will be hosting the events and students are encouraged to participate.

Joe Patterson is president if the Engineers’ Club, as well as a member of the Spring Fling Committee. He hopes that students will get into the spirit of things this year.

Spring Fling is a way to get “students invloved with activities, not just their classes,” he said.

Whitney Rux, vice president of activities for the Associated Students of Bakersfield College, agreed with Patterson. The point of Spring Fling is “to make the campus atmopsphere more fun,” he said.

April 7 will heat up with a hot pepper-eating contest in the cafeteria at 10:30 a.m., and a BC version of the hit show “Fear Factor” at 11 a.m. in Campus Center. Students can strut their stuff at a dance contest, which will commence at noon in the Fireside Room.

April 8 provides an opportunity to get physical in the Free Speech area with activities like an inflated boxing ring and a strong man competition. Students can prove how on target they are in accuracy contest consisting of passing a pigskin through a tire, which take place in front of the library.

April 9 boasts contests aplenty. BC talent will be on display during stupid human tricks at 9:30 a.m. in Campus Center. In a medieval twist, a tricycle joust is planned in front of the library at 10:30 a.m. The day continues with a dunk tank that will be set up in the Free Speech area at 11:30 a.m.

Patterson wants Spring Fling to be a time of fun for students.

“(With) all the hard work we put into our classes, I think we need to take a little time and have some fun.”