UAF Welcomes the Warm Season with SpringFest 2025
Story and Photos by Autumn McPherson
SpringFest 2025 officially kicked off on April 17 with an interactive performance by Mission IMPROVable at the Wood Center. The improv comedy group, known for incorporating audience suggestions into their sketches, led a high-energy show that invited the audience to participate directly. While the performance took place upstairs, the lower level of the Wood Center hosted the 3v3 Bowling Tournament, drawing teams of students into a lighthearted competition. The event was met with enthusiasm by participants. When asked about the overall goals of hosting SpringFest, Concert Board member and Student Media Coordinator, Kevin Huo, said, “The main purpose of SpringFest is to celebrate the end of the semester and enjoy the completion of a year academically. For some students, it is the last time they will hang out with their friends before graduation. For new students, it will be some fun right before final exams, and for the UAF community at large, a gathering point to get people out of their dorms and reconnect with everyone.”
Final result of the Campus Clean Up activity.
However, some students expressed concern over the festival’s promotion. Several reported being unaware of the event until it was already underway. “I think it’s really sad it wasn’t promoted,” said student Cori Patchkofsky. “I haven’t seen anything posted. I honestly don’t know much about SpringFest this year. I felt like I was waiting for SpringFest information, but found out it had already happened.” Students who did attend generally had positive feedback. “SpringFest is amazing,” said Sammy Bass, a member of the Traditions Board. “It’s been great to be part of the planning process. My favorite part was organizing the first-ever 3v3 Bowling Tournament with my coworker, Blake. Eleven teams signed up.”
When asked about the promotion efforts of the event, Hou stated, “Like any event, it was an ongoing process. Given the weather, site conditions, and a number of other factors, our goal was to lock in the dates, the fun, and the excitement for the spring season. For example, our goal was to host the events outside, but given the changing conditions, we had to pivot to indoor. Therein, some of the schedule, unfortunately, was not published until a few weeks/days in advance.” Overall, it seems there was a misconception about where students receive their information for events on campus.
Act of Congress playing live for SpringFest.
On the second day of SpringFest, the Wood Center lawn served as the central hub of activity. Students gathered outside to enjoy a barbecue meal available for purchase, accompanied by live music from the band Act of Congress, an Indie/Alternative Folk band, who played throughout the afternoon. The relaxed outdoor setting also featured a variety of lawn games, including Spike Ball, Ladder Ball, and Cornhole, offering students a chance to socialize and unwind.