Annual ASI event annual will feature rides, games, and music.
By Dylan Smith, Managing Editor
Toros can expect an afternoon of rides, live music, and giveaways when the Spring Fling Carnival comes to campus on Apr. 18. The annual event, hosted by Associated Students, Inc, (ASI), will run from 2 to 6 p.m. in Parking Lot 17 and is free and open to the entire Dominguez Hills campus community, including students and local residents.
Attendees of all ages are welcome, and students can RSVP on ToroLink and bring as many guests as they’d like.
Launched in 2017, Spring Fling was created after ASI collected student feedback about the types of events they wanted to see on campus. Based on that feedback—particularly a desire for large-scale concerts featuring well-known performers—ASI hosted the first Spring Fling at the StubHub Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park). The debut event included student DJs, live performances, giveaways and obstacle courses.
Since then, Spring Fling has grown into a major annual event, drawing headlining artists such as Ty Dolla $ign, Schoolboy Q and 2 Chainz.
What to expect at Spring Fling
Like last year, this year’s Spring Fling will take on a full carnival theme, featuring giant swing rides and classic game booths where guests can play to win prizes. In addition to rides, the event will feature food trucks and local vendors selling handmade goods.
“It was a concert for quite a few years and … has now evolved into more of a community-based event,” said Raven Emmert, ASI’s marketing and public relations coordinator,m adding that ASI’s goal is to foster an inclusive environment that brings the Toro community together.
“Right now our RSVPs are at just over 1,100, and we’re still about eight days out. So it could be upwards of … 1,500 folks,” Emmert said.
One of this year’s highlights is the Artist Alley, which is open exclusively to students. The exhibit gives Toros a chance to showcase their work—either digitally or physically—and connect with others through art.
Emmert said the event will feature around six to seven musical acts of student performers. “They’re either individual, like solo performers… and then we’re going to have a few bands as well,” she said.
ASI has partnered with several campus organizations to bring this year’s event to life, including the Office of the President, the Division of Student Affairs and the Male Success Alliance (MSA).
MSA interim associate director Gerardo Cuevas lauded Spring Fling as a healthy way for students to unwind and reconnect with one another. He described the event as a “great opportunity” for students to engage campus.
“When we were offered to be part of the planning committee and support, we were all for it,” Cuevas said. “[The] ASI team has done a really great job and [we’re] pretty excited to see our campus enjoy the event next Friday.”
Emmert, who has helped organize Spring Fling for four years, said the event continues to be a meaningful way to celebrate CSUDH students.
“April’s a good time to really celebrate students and celebrate their achievements of the year,” she said. “Just have fun [and] immerse the community.”