Student Programming Board to present annual Blister in the Sun

The annual Blister in the Sun carnival, hosted by the Student Programming Board (SPB), will take place Sat., May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The large-scale event, complete with massive inflatable games, obstacle courses and live music, takes place each year on the first Saturday in May to give students a break from studying and celebrate the coming end of the academic year. This year’s event, which will be set up on the graduation lawn between Sutton Science Center and Anderson Hall, will feature an inflatable water slide as well as life-size foosball, an extensive blow-up obstacle course complete with a massive slide and a jousting game.

“I’ve had so much fun at Blister every year I’ve been here. Even though we [SPB] have to get up super early to set up all of the inflatables, it’s always been worth it. I hope I have just as much fun my last time,” said Kiera Payne, senior SPB member.

According to SPB annual events team leader Garrett Painter, who is in charge of the event, two live bands will perform throughout the event on a stage setup near the outdoor classroom and Humphrey’s Courtyard. The Nashville-based Americana duo The Saint Johns will take the stage first, followed by singer/songwriter Scott Wesley.

“Even if you don’t feel like playing around on the inflatables and other games, we hope you bring out a blanket and relax on the grass listening to the great performers we will have throughout the day,” Painter said.

In addition to these activities planned by SPB, varieties of other organizations are setting up booths and tables around the area. Painter said the MC Pep Band has signed up to sell snow cones, Alpha Psi Omega has organized a water balloon and squirt gun fight and multiple other organizations will be selling baked goods and other items.

“SPB is thrilled to have interest from so many other student organizations. We think this is a great opportunity for everyone to get out and have a good time while raising either funds or awareness about your group,” Painter said.

According to Painter, the annual challenge to snag a coveted Blister T-shirt will be competitive, with only 100 shirts available this year. Painter said that the shirts will be distributed at an undisclosed time between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. during the event.

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