Rutgersfest '09 attracts thousands despite weather

A little bit of rain did not dampen the spirits of Rutgersfest attendees.
Despite the inclement weather, thousands of students flocked to Livingston campus Friday for a day of music, rides, food and fun, hosted by the Rutgers University Programming Association and University Student Life.
“We’ve been pretty much planning this since probably winter break,” said RUPA representative Jamie Gumann. “Even before, maybe.”
Attendees enjoyed music from N.E.R.D., Motion City Soundtrack, Ryan Leslie and Battle of the Bands winner The N Result. Inflatable rides, a rock wall, a trampoline, boardwalk-style games and a variety of carnival-style foods were available to anyone who wandered away from the stage.
“We just went straight to the stage and enjoyed the performances,” said Lisa Darji, a School of Arts and Sciences first-year student. “I really liked Ryan Leslie, he was the best.”
Hinal Patel, an Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy student, said he did not know the names of any of the bands.
“[But] the jumpy house was the best … we were waiting for N.E.R.D., but they didn’t show up,” Patel said in reference to N.E.R.D.’s late arrival.
Although some students incurred minor injuries in the concert’s mosh pit, EMTs and security guards were posted nearby and responded promptly to all potentially dangerous situations.
“There was one guy by the stage, his face was all bloody [and] the EMTs had to get him out of there,” Patel said.
Darji said a couple of people were thrown in the air, but the EMTs worked fast to get them out.
“It’s what you would expect at Rutgersfest; a few people were hurt, but the EMTs were right there,” said Roselyn Jose, chairperson of RUPA’s music committee and a Rutgers College junior.
But Jose said the day was running smoothly otherwise, even despite the pouring rain, which was the not the ideal situation for the event.
“It’s been going really smoothly,” said Gumann, a Cook College senior. “Security’s been fine, the bands have been really cool.”
Jose said a small RUPA group has been working hard since December to get Rutgersfest together.
“There’s seven of us who planned every aspect of the show, from the music to the security to the food vendors and the catering to the hospitality, the inflatables and the games,” she said.
Jose said a portion of the University budget is allocated to RUPA and funds Rutgersfest.
In the face of current University budget concerns, the amount that University officials allocated for the event was significantly less this year than in previous years, she said.
But the decreased budget did not take away from the fun of the day.
“We would definitely come [to Rutgersfest] next year,” Darji said.