Keene State’s end-of-year Spring Carnival returned to Appian Way with hallmark rides and food galore.
The Spring Carnival took place on Friday, May 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. Two rides were set up, a Ferris wheel and the Scrambler, as well as many different activities down Appian Way such as a dunk tank and a temporary tattoo station. This year marked a return for the Ferris wheel, as it hadn’t been set up for last year’s carnival.
Junior Hunter Perkins, vice president of the class of 2026, spoke on the organization of such a big event.
Perkins said the class governments all worked together to help put together the Spring Carnival. Each class government was in charge of putting together its own table. The class of 2026 ran the temporary tattoo station.
“We, as an e-board, threw a lot of ideas together and I think [temporary tattoos] really stuck,” said Perkins. “It’s super easy, super fun, super cheap.”
Food was moved inside the Zorn Dining Commons, as well as a few lawn games, due to concerns about rain. However, despite these worries, the weather stayed sunny and warm for the duration of the carnival.
First-year Rae Gordon, class of 2028 treasurer-elect, talked about some of the different activities at the carnival.
“The classes have different tables, the class of 2028 has a table with a soccer accuracy [challenge],” said Gordon. “We’re giving out candy and we’re also promoting our raffle during it.”
“I’m overwhelmed in the best way possible with just how much is going on,” continued Gordon. “I’m just excited to be a part of it.”
Whether they were working at an activity table or simply enjoying the carnival, students expressed their excitement at the event.
“There was good food, pretty long lines but besides that it was good,” said junior Molly M., who preferred not to share her last name.
“It’s been very nice, I had a lot of fun,” said junior Izzy L. “It’s also really nice out so that adds to it. I’m surprised that they still had [the food] inside.”
The Spring Carnival is one of the last big events at KSC before finals week and the end of the academic year, and many students said they were happy to have a distraction from finals stress.
“It’s like a break from studying for finals, writing papers and stuff,” said Izzy. “Just a fun time spent with friends.”
“Today was the last day of classes, there were poster presentations today,” said Perkins. “Being able to come here after that, with so much less weight on my shoulders, was really nice.”
“I love that they do this at this time of year,” said Molly. “It’s a really good stress relief.”
There was really only one complaint voiced about the Spring Carnival.
“I do wish it was a little longer,” said Perkins.
Orion Corbin can be contacted at
