Although Friday's lousy weather may have put a damper on UB students' enthusiasm for the spring season, Campus Dining and Shops was determined to put a little sunshine back in their customers' hearts with a day set aside for celebration and appreciation.
Students may have been lured by the billowing smoke that blew over campus from the chicken barbeque next to the Commons or by the strong scent of fried dough that emanated from the cart parked outside of the Student Union. It's also possible that they noticed the high-spirited dance moves of the people wearing Dalmatian and Pillsbury Doughboy costumes.
Whatever the motivation, UB students lined up in droves for CDS' Customer Appreciation Day.
The Student Union was transformed into something that resembled a traveling carnival more than the heart of a university, but some found the popular event's long lines too long to deal with during a busy day of classes.
"The line is way too long, I'm not waiting in it," said Alyssa Wisniewski, a sophomore biotechnology major.
Wisniewski said that she would reconsider if she heard that the food went over well, but doubted that would happen because of her experiences with the dining halls.
Other students, however, found the line to be an uncommon place to have fun, more like the roped queue for a movie theater or a nightclub than a "lunch line."
"I'm having a good time. I'm just standing here rocking out to Sting and eating some popcorn," said Ed Bradfuhre, a freshman environmental engineering major, referring to the snacks distributed to those in line.
The smorgasbord of booths set up behind a row of curtains served students more free food, including samples from all of the different CDS vendors, such as Hubie's and Putnam's. A few off-campus treats were also available, such as the fried dough and barbeque chicken that was prepared outside.
Although many students were drawn by the idea of a plate of free food, what was served on Friday was not necessarily the main course for everyone. Other forms of entertainment were also available, including a chance to get a free photo taken with a "Family Guy" character of their choice. Most students weren't even forced to choose, as they posed with Peter, Stewie and Brian all at once.
The entire union teemed with silliness that, coupled with the relief of a nearby weekend, made for an interesting afternoon.
Darnell Cummings, a freshman business administration major, enjoyed the music and food and welcomed the gesture of appreciation.
"I eat on campus a lot," he said. "It's a good thing that they appreciate the customers. We're people that are supporting them all through the year."
