The only words SUSA members could use to describe this year’s SmithStock event was “truly epic.”
This year marked the third year for the event, which SUSA members said had been successful in the past. This year however, SmithStock lost its connection to Woodstock, as the usual live music was canceled due to the weather.
“Regardless, I definitely think that the event will still be just as terrific,” said SUSA events coordinator, Falin Patel.
SmithStock still included activities such as a moon bounce, a wing-eating contest, a photo booth and a popcorn/cotton candy machine, which was a new feature this year and that Patel said was done “really to take SmithStock to the next level.” Seniors could also fill out cards with “words of wisdom” for others to read.
Patel claimed that the sheer awesomeness of the event was what drew students.
“The mere fact that the event [was] truly fantastic is more than enough incentive for students to attend,” Patel said. “The great food, activities, and simply hanging out is what draws students to SmithStock. Also, the first 100 students will receive a free pair of SUSA sunglasses. “
Girish Chaskar, SUSA’s vice president of marketing, said the event was a way for business students to socialize at the end of their year.
“SmithStock is a celebration of the clubs and club members of SUSA as well as bringing the Smith community closer together as one,” Chaskar said.
Many students who attended came because of the chance to see their friends and eat free food.
“I definitely came for the free food, but just seeing a couple friends around and going in the photo booth was exciting,” said senior finance and accounting major Amir Hamidzadeh. “I saw a lot of ads about it, so I had my eye on coming, and when I saw it getting set up I realized what it was. And I was glad I got the free sunglasses.”
Annie Axenfeld, a senior finance and accounting major, also attended to socialize.
“I thought I’d see friends here and it was definitely very social,” she said.
SUSA had originally hoped for upwards of 300 students to attend the event, but said their goal was simply to reach as many students as possible. Around the beginning, about 50 students gathered under the trees in the Van Munching Courtyard as rain sprinkled off and on. Students walked in and out of the courtyard depending on the weather, but attendance was shown by the food line—at one point looping halfway around the courtyard.
In the end, while SUSA did not know the actual number of student attendees, Patel said he still considered the event a success.
“Considering it rained and people still came out, it was still great anyways,” Patel said.