Purdue's Spring Fest a weekend of fun-filled activities
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University will open its doors for a weekend of free, fun and educational activities during this year's Spring Fest April 14-15.
"This is a great weekend to come to come to campus," said Danica Kirkpatrick, engagement program manager for Purdue Agriculture, who coordinates Spring Fest. "People can attend the Purdue Center for Cancer Research 5k Challenge or the fly-in/drive-in breakfast before coming to Spring Fest or head over to the spring football game in the afternoon. There's something for everyone."
New to this year's Spring Fest lineup are an unwanted medication collection event, which provides a safe, confidential way to dispose of medications that are expired or no longer needed, and a teddy-bear clinic where kids can bring in their "injured" bears. Veterinary medicine students will surgically repair torn bears.
The medication collection event will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside the Heine Pharmacy Building. Both prescription medication, including controlled substances, and over-the-counter medication will be accepted.
Improper disposal of medication can have many unintended consequences, according to Carmine Colavecchia, a College of Pharmacy student and event co-coordinator. "Flushing medications is harmful to the ecosystem," he said. "Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone can affect fish and other aquatic life."
Throwing unused medication in the trash also can have unforeseen results. "Identity thieves go through trash searching for prescription bottles," he said. Other concerns include potential risks to children who might accidentally take the medication and to teenagers who have an increasing rate of prescription drug abuse.
Organizers of the collection will follow HIPAA privacy rules and dispose of medication through an environmentally friendly process.
Also joining Spring Fest for the first time is the Department of Religious Studies, which will have information and activities about five of the world's major religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. The Muslim Student Association will sponsor activities to inform people about the Islamic religion and culture. Visitors to this site can play games, enjoy foods, practice Arabic calligraphy and get henna tattoos.
Bug Bowl activities are scheduled throughout the weekend, with cricket-spitting finals at 12:45 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Other returning favorites include Boiler Barnyard, the College of Veterinary Medicine open house and the Horticulture Show, which features an urban-eco theme this year.
Visitors can sample new foods such as smoked Asian carp and chocolate-covered insects. Make your own root beer with Delta Lambda Phi or gummy bears with the Department of Food Science.
Information on all activities, parking and event times, including a list of 84 free things to do, are available at the Spring Fest website, https://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/springfest/pages/default.aspx, and on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Purdue-Spring-Fest/167580613296305
Writer: Olivia Maddox, 765-496-3207, maddoxol@purdue.edu
Sources: Danica Kirkpatrick, 765-494-9113, dkirkpat@purdue.edu
Carmine Colavecchia, 812-589-8962, acolavec@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page