Fountain Day

Fountain Day is one of the most exciting events that happens each year here on the UAlbany campus. The start of spring is marked when each fountain is turned on to bring in the start of the warmer weather and the end of the school year. Students of all ages gather around to the main fountain to experience, what is for many, the most eventful and memorable day of their time on campus.
Fountain Day is a university tradition that first started on May 5th, 1978. The first year of Fountain Day was known as May Fest and was held during the school week. The following year the UAlbany community decided to rename the day, Human Awareness Day, a day that promoted communication between students, faculty and staff. Until 2004 Fountain Day had been held during the week yet, University Administrators changed the 26-year tradition and moved festivities to the weekend because many students were either not attending or showing up intoxicated for class. In addition to the 2004 change of moving Fountain Day to the weekend, administrators also placed a ban on all guests who do not attend UAlbany from participating in the event. This change came in response to the growing number of reported incidents and injuries by both students and visitors.
The 2004 Fountain Day was one of the most memorable of the 29 years of the celebration. The sunny 65-degree day resulted in 16 students being taken to the hospital and Five Quad treating at least 33 students on campus for minor injuries. The beautiful weather led to the highest turn out of students in the history of the event. The overcrowding led to many of these accidents, which was a direct result of students being to drunk and slipping on the wet concrete of the fountain. Many attribute the extra chaos to the fact that it was also Earth Day, which inspired a group of students to dye the fountain a grass colored shade of green. 2007 Alumni Megan Rowan remembers one male student who was walking around the podium dressed in a body suit made of Keystone Light boxes. Rowan remembers her experience of the 2004 fountain day as she recalled how “everyone was having so much fun, kids were walking around the campus drunk, as long as you were being responsible no one bothered you and you didn’t get hurt. It was the one day of the school year that everyone just has a great time and enjoyed the university.”
This year marks the 30th annual Fountain Day and so far it looks like it will be one to remember. On April 27, events will begin at 12 and last until 4PM. It will be four hours cram packed with fun ranging from free food, give away t-shirts and inflatable toys that include jousting, bungee and boxing. The campus radio station, WCDB 90.9FM, will be the DJ for this event as they play live music as students enjoy free hot dogs, soda and chips provided by the University. A wide variety of outside vendors will be set up on the podium such as; caricature artists, tattoo tents, massages, photo booths, along with fried dough and fresh squeezed lemonade, all of these vendors will be charging a minimal price to the students. Freshman Nicole Gallo thinks, “It’s going to be an amazing day and it’s a great way to bring in the warm weather. I’m so excited because it’s my first time going to Fountain Day. I heard it’s crazy and I think it’s going to be so much fun because everyone’s going to it!”
For over 30 years Fountain Day has been an outstanding tradition that has drawn the attention of students, friends and even the media! This tradition celebrates the coming of spring and the unity of the UAlbany community. This university sponsored event has always offered it’s students a day of fun and games, yet this year Fountain Day seems to be going the extra mile to be ensuring fun and safety to the students as it marks the third decade of this tradition.