A brand-new spring tradition is coming to SUNY Fredonia.
On Saturday, April 26, the university will host the first-ever Big Blue Bash, an all-day celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. in and around Steele Hall.
The event is open to both the campus and greater Dunkirk-Fredonia communities and promises a packed schedule of music, food, art, and activities for all ages.
The idea for the Big Blue Bash grew out of the overwhelmingly positive response to last spring’s solar eclipse festivities, which drew large crowds to campus. Organizers hope the new event will continue building those connections. “We are always looking for ways to bridge the campus and the community,” said Fredonia senior Olivia Spolar, one of the event’s organizers. “The eclipse started that, and we hope to keep the momentum going.”
Music, Art and Student Talent on Display
A major part of the celebration is Fredchella, a student-run music and arts festival that will take place in the Steele Hall fieldhouse throughout the event. Organized by the campus Music Industry Club, Fredchella will showcase live performances by student bands and alumni musicians from 1 to 9 p.m.
“We held Fredchella as a two-day event last year, and it was a great event,” said Fredonia senior Jazmine Torres, one of the event organizers. “When there was talk of doing some kind of big spring event on campus again this year, it seemed natural to include Fredchella as part of it.”
In addition to live music, student artists and vendors will sell prints, pottery, and handmade items, while members of the Animation and Illustration Club will offer live caricatures. Sound and lighting for the performances will be provided by Fredonia’s student-run Sound Services.
Fredonia junior Charlotte Smith designed the event’s eye-catching logo, t-shirts, and promotional posters, adding a personal touch to the branding of the new tradition.
Relay for Life Returns
Another major component of the Big Blue Bash is Relay for Life, a longstanding campus tradition hosted by the American Cancer Society student group. Now in its 17th year at Fredonia, the fundraiser brings together campus and community members in support of cancer patients and survivors, and to honor those lost.
The indoor track at Steele Hall will remain open during the event so attendees can participate in the walk while enjoying the festivities. Special ceremonies and selected musical tributes performed by artists performing as part of Fredchella will be held throughout the day. “We appreciate the participation from not only the campus, but people from the surrounding area who join us each year,” said Spolar. “Some community members will stay and visit and take in the entire event, while others come to campus, walk a few laps in reflection then leave. We welcome them all.”
Participants can register individually or as a team through the Relay for Life registration form.
Food, Fun and Fundraisers
Attendees can grab a bite at one of several food trucks set up in Lot 11 (between the Natatorium and Rockefeller Arts Center). Scheduled vendors include The Blend, Best of Buffalo by Byron, Pizza Amore, Over the Rainbow, Lugia’s, and Arly and Izzy.
For those looking to let off a little steam, the event will also feature a Car Smash fundraiser from 2 to 8 p.m., where attendees can take a swing at a junked car with a sledgehammer (for a donation). The vehicle, donated by Mom & Pops Recycling in Cassadaga, has been drained of all fluids and hazardous materials and will be situated in the parking lot behind Steele Hall. Safety gear will be provided.
There will also be a community dog walk Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The walk will begin at the FRED sign outside the Williams Center and will proceed down Ring Road and back. The walk, organized by Public Relations students in COMM 422, will raise money for the Lakeshore Humane Society.
Volunteers Welcome
Volunteers are needed throughout the day to help with event logistics. Students, staff, and community members are encouraged to sign up in advance to lend a hand and be part of the exciting new tradition.
