Residents of South Campus dorms were roused from bed early Saturday afternoon, only this time it wasn't from a fire alarm or burst water pipe. Instead, they woke up to the sounds and smells of the Southern Comfort Festival outside their residence halls.
The festival transformed South Campus from a haven from the daily grind to one where students could celebrate southern pride, UB style.
"This is the sixth SoCo annual outdoor event. It is a festival to generate Main Street and South Campus pride," said Heather Housh, the festival event coordinator.
Southern Comfort was a daylong event organized by a committee of resident advisers and students with funds from the Residence Halls Association.
Various obstacle courses, and inflatable arenas for jousting and a sports challenge were set up.
Campus Dining and Shops catered the event, featuring free down-home festival treats such as snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chips and cotton candy.
After crawling out of the inflatable obstacle course, Jose Valladares, a junior English major, said he thought the event was getting a great start.
"It was pretty amazing - the third hill was a little hard. This event is perfect for a beautiful day," Valladares said.
To some, SoCo was considered a break from the normal things that occur on South Campus, including preparing for finals and going for days on end without power.
"After all this studying, it was fun to jump around like kids," said Jared Sais, a freshman political science major.
This year's Southern Comfort Festival set itself apart from previous years by going on for 12 hours, with festivities taking place outside of Goodyear hall.
This celebration was designated for the residents of South Campus, as they are underrepresented in university events, Housh said.
"This is why it is called Southern Comfort. It is southern hospitality," she said.
The occasion also benefited this year's selected charity, the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Participants raised money for the charity by selling t-shirts for $5.
"Every year we pick a local charity to give back to. As we are giving back to the residents of South Campus we are giving back to the community as well," Housh said.
Texas Hold-em prizes included a $25 Visa gift card for first place, a $15 Starbucks gift card to the second place winner and a $10 Wegman's gift card for third place.
Free hot chocolate, virgin margaritas and punch were available to gulp down with snacks provided.
"We set up a casino for a cause," said Rahul Chopra, the night event co-coordinator.
Money raised through the event's games will also go to the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
This year's reactions deemed SoCo 2007 a success. Samantha Ruda, a freshman nursing major, said that she attended both outdoor and evening festivities and enjoyed herself.
"It was fun, even though I wish it were warmer," Ruda said.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
