Approximately 5,000 to 6,000 students attended MayFest 2010 in Walnut Park Friday afternoon, said Tony Callisto, chief of the Department of Public Safety.

The event exceeded expectations, but not everyone appreciated the university’s efforts to plan a controlled MayFest. Although many freshman were content with the event, students who had experienced previous Mayfests did not feel it lived up to their memory. Many upperclassmen expressed disappointment in MayFest being different than previous years.

“One of my friends said we feel like we’re in a pig pen. We’re just like cows being herded place to place,” said Magnola Salas, a sophomore entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises major. “It kills the mood when there’s so much enforcement. Just let us have our day. We work hard all year.”

Salas did not feel like this was a real MayFest with police patrol and sectioned activities, she said. And she did not understand the imposed restrictions because she thought it would only increase the likelihood of students becoming rowdy, she said.

“Where is everyone? Last year on Euclid it was hard to walk,” Salas said. Having MayFest on Walnut would not keep students from partying on Euclid, in her opinion, she said. “They’re going to be on Euclid later today.”

MayFest, an SU event since 2007, used to take place on Euclid Avenue on the same day as SU Showcase. But on October 23, the administration reinstated classes for this year’s SU Showcase. Student Association began meeting with the administration the Monday following the announcement to discuss the possibility of creating a day for students in place of SU Showcase. The final outcome was a day dedicated to students on Walnut Park, named MayFest, which was split into three sections: food and beverages, concerts and beer for students over 21.

The result of moving the celebration from Euclid Avenue to Walnut Park received mixed reactions from students. while freshman said they enjoyed the day.

But the administration reported the event went on without problems or arrests on Walnut.

“Last year it was crazy. It’s a totally different environment,” said Linton Borden, a senior philosophy major. “This is cool for what it is, but it’s not MayFest, and it’s more controlled than it used to be.”

Evan Sherman, a junior in the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, said the event was boring compared to past MayFest’s on Euclid, but at least SA and University Union were trying.

“It’s an organized event, people aren’t trashed everywhere,” he said. “You can’t compare it, and it’s really not a party over here.”

The additional attraction of free food and live entertainment was a highlight for students that attended. By the time RJD2 performed towards the end of the afternoon, the area in front of the stage on Walnut was crowded with students dancing, while others sat under trees listening to the music.

“RJD2 is my favorite producer, so I don’t want to say that this has been my favorite
MayFest, but it kind of has,” said Joseph Collier, a senior electrical engineering major.

Collier had also been to Euclid and had fun there also, but came to Walnut for the band, he said.

Those who planned the event did not share the opinion that MayFest was a disappointment.

“This is fabulous,” Chancellor Nancy Cantor said. “I’m getting a lot of positive feedback from students.”

Cantor said she had been on Euclid earlier in the day and things looked under control. She said she saw students ‘having fun on their porches.’

“This is just great,” Cantor said. “I love the atmosphere.”

Student Association president Jon Barnhart said he was pleased with how smoothly the event was going and that there were no problems on Euclid, other than the accident earlier that morning involving a student on a bicycle.

“I’ve been looking forward to this, exactly what’s been happening here all day,” Barnhart said. “I see exactly what we envisioned. A lot of people said they were just going to show up, get their drink and leave and I see people staying and enjoying themselves and that’s all we can ask for at this point.”

Tony Callisto, chief of the Department of Public Safety, estimated the peak of students at one given time was between 3,500 and 4,000, said Callisto.

“It’s a festive atmosphere,” he said. “Students are really doing well. We’re just here in case anybody needs us—not trying to be an overwhelming presence. But if there were something to happen we’d be able to handle it quickly.”

There were about 12 officers patrolling the Walnut Park area and another 12 on Euclid, Callisto said. There were no more police officers in the alcohol area of Walnut than the non-alcoholic area and police reported no problems, he said.

“As far as the activity on Euclid, it’s been pretty minimal. The majority of folks actually came here and there’s a few small parties going on Euclid, but that’s no different than any other nice weather Friday,” Callisto said.

Greg Victory, a communications and rhetorical studies professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, volunteered handing out bracelets for the beer section. He said there were not any problems in the alcoholic area of Walnut.

“People were really respectful, students overall had a good time, there were some that were a little upset about things, but overall people were really good,” Victory said.

Those 21 or older with a valid SU or ESF ID and driver’s license or passport were allowed entrance. Student IDs were scanned at entrances that lead to the alcohol serving area and were only allowed admittance once. Those who came between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. were given bracelets with four beer tickets. Those who came between 3:00 to 5:30 had two tickets. Should a student leave the area, he or she was allowed another beer if tickets still remained.

Jennifer Alba, a senior marketing major, came late and was allowed two beers. She and her friends agreed four was a healthy amount of beer, but said getting two was not worth it. The group planned to go to Euclid once they left Walnut at the end of the event.

“I wish it was easier to get a beer than to give them a tab every time,” Alba said

Despite the fact that MayFest was relocated from Euclid Avenue, there are still hopes that the event will return back to the way it used to be.

“If the student body can prove that we can have this day responsibly and respect the university, community and neighborhoods, then maybe MayFest can become what it once was,” said Kim DiNicola, a junior music education major.

Julia Dunlea, a junior international relations and public relations major, was with friends who were not 21, so she said going to the beer section was not her top priority.

“I didn’t want to necessarily get drunk today because I have a lot to do,” Dunlea said. “But it’s a nice thing to just be able to relax and then have a couple of drinks.”

Published on April 30, 2010 at 12:00 pm