The Campus Activities Board's much anticipated annual Spring Weekend kicks off on April 27 to celebrate the end of 2010-11 school year.

The celebration begins with Wednesday night's Campus Movie Fest. The exhibition of student films will be held in Keating 1st at 7 p.m., showcasing the recent collection of student films made on and around campus.

"We had a lot of submissions for the Movie Fest this year," Jennifer Lackie, assistant director for student organizations and programming, said. "They are being judged, and there will be some winners announced. We will also have audience picks."

American Age Lecture Series and the CAB will be presenting the cast of MTV's "The Buried Life" on Thursday.

"Throughout the year, my co-chair Kaylyn Toale and I propose lecturers to our advisory board, which consists of deans, professors, OSL&CD staff and Fordham students," Kristie Beaudoin, FCRH '11, said. "‘The Buried Life' was somebody we had looked at earlier in the year and added to our list of potential speakers. When we began exploring Spring Weekend speakers, they seemed like a great choice for an upbeat event."

"Our goal for Spring Weekend was to bring an upbeat speaker to motivate students in accordance with our mission, which is to embody the spirit of the Fordham community through programs that educate, stimulate and enhance the college experience," Beaudoin continued.

"The Buried Life" will talk about their bucket list and why they thought it was so important to make journeys.

Friday's event will begin with a free lunch at Rodrigue's Coffee House at 2:30 p.m. Students can use this event to enjoy some quick refreshments and a bite to eat before signing up and participating in the annual Rose Hill Rush. The 5K race begins at 3:45 p.m. with the starting line near McGinley Lawn, and gives students the chance to run three laps around campus. At the event, a limited number of T-shirts will be given to participants, and there will be healthy snacks and water, provided by the Peer Educators.

The Ramblers, Fordham's only all-male a cappella group, will perform at the Fordham Prep Auditorium at 7 p.m. that evening, which will be warming up students for the night's main event, a mix-show from the DJ pair The White Panda in A-Lot near the University's front gates at 9:30 p.m. At the event, CAB will be selling glow sticks for $1 and the proceeds will go to earthquake relief efforts in Japan.

Saturday's festivities begin at 11 a.m., with free breakfast provided by the Residence Hall Association at all residence halls on campus, as well as a meal provided by the Commuting Students Association in the Student Lounge.

Later that day, Third Eye Blind will perform on Martyrs' Lawn, and the gate opens at 12:30 p.m.

"We put on a survey in late October or early November for a week and a half," Chris Gavin, GSB '11, co-chair of the concert committee of CAB, said. "Based on the input of the students, we do the best we can to get the highest on the list within our budget and availability and who fits the criteria we are looking for; someone who fits well in Jesuit environment. Third Eye Blind is approved by the administration and ranked highly on the survey." 

Matt Corey, pop-music cover saxophone player, and student band Penrose will open for Third Eye Blind. This is Penrose's second year in a row winning Rodrigue's Battle of the Bands.

The winter-themed Under the Tent Dance begins later that night at 9 p.m. As in years past, cover band Pink Noise will provide musical entertainment for students.

"For this year's theme, we had couple of proposals," Jake Braithwaite, GSB '11, president of Residence Halls Association, said. "The general board voted and we received overwhelming support for the snowy theme. There will be a few surprise events at the dance."

"We hope to break the attendance record this year," Braithwaite continued.

The final event of the weekend will be a stand-up comedy performance by acclaimed comedian John Mulaney in the Fordham Prep Auditorium at 7 p.m. on Sunday.

All the event attendees should note that large bags and backpacks are not allowed. No food or beverages may be brought into the venues. Guests are allowed to attend events with a Fordham student and must stay with the student at all times. Maximum number of guests is two per students. Any student who appears to be intoxicated will not be allowed to enter the venues.