Student Life : MayFest in Walnut could become tradition
You know how they say that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is? Well, that was the problem with the original MayFest.
I personally found it quite entertaining to watch underage students get wasted before 2 p.m. while policemen stood by and did nothing so long as they collectively passed out on lawns and not the street. But for some apparent reason, it did not bode well for the university.
As a senior, I am still reminiscent of these old MayFest traditions. However, most other classes do not remember or did not experience the MayFest held on Euclid Avenue, and so I sense it is time to let go and move on. It is time to give the Walnut Park version a chance.
The new MayFest does come complete with several advantages. For one thing, the Syracuse Fire Department estimates that Walnut Park has room for up to about 10,000 people. That’s a lot of people crowded in a relatively small space. That largely increases your chances of running into the person(s) you’re stalking.
And for another thing, the whole four free beers strategy is actually quite effective. It lures people in. If you are over 21, you’re probably broke from the bars anyway. And if you’re under 21, well, that’s your problem; you can always get the free food and eat your feelings.
The Cataracs performance is another nice touch. I can see how a musical interlude serves as a temporary distraction from the fact that MayFest is now a watered down, depressingly less inappropriate version of its former self. Plus, we now all have the opportunity to prove that when we drink, we do it right. And that’s what college is all about, you know — proving yourself.
People can invite friends from other schools to join them at MayFest. This presents an ideal opportunity to make money off your friends. Charge them extra for the ticket. Charge them for the free food and drinks. Tell them about all the attractive people who will be attending and charge them extra if they’re not good-looking enough.
It might sound like I’m ragging on the new MayFest, but I’m really not. I do believe that Syracuse University has tried its best to ensure a day of fun and frolicking in the park. And I believe Student Association — which keeps on trying to get people to care about its existence and keeps on failing — has attempted to meet students’ needs. It’s not SA’s fault that our needs just happen to be much more animalistic and stimulant-based.
Ultimately, what it all comes down to is location, location, location. There will still be people partying on Euclid Avenue, and if that is absolutely the only scenery you feel comfortable getting drunk in, go right ahead. But I’m headed to the festivities in Walnut Park, mainly because I don’t feel like walking up a hill, but also because you can’t live in the past. We might as well embrace the change.
And plus, we’ve all spent a ton of money on our education. We should go collect our four free beers.
Marina Charny is a senior English and textual studies and writing major. Her column usually appears every Monday. She can be reached at mcharny@syr.edu.
