The planning, painting, hammering and building of the past two weeks all culminated in this weekend’s Thurtene Carnival.

Thurtene Carnival is not only the oldest tradition at Washington University, but also the largest and oldest student-run carnival in the nation.

“Thurtene is the most wonderful time of the year,” said Pi Beta Phi junior Kate Glaze. “It’s a lot of hard work, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan, but when all is said and done you’ve spent a lot of time with people that are important to you.”

Thurtene Carnival is put together through the combined efforts of Washington University’s Greek Life and other student groups. Professional carnival rides were brought in, while student groups such as Spires Literary Magazine, Chimes Junior Honorary, Lock and Chain Sophomore Honorary, Chabad, Ashoka, EnCouncil and Circle K set up games and activities.

“We have more student groups than ever, with about 50 participating,” said Thurtene Public Relations Chair Katie Greenbaum.

John Kleinschmidt, who helped build the Spires booth, noted, “It’s great that there are so many booths. It gives a sampling of all of Wash U.’s diverse groups.”

Thurtene is largely centered around the University’s fraternities and sororities, which construct large fa‡ades and perform plays.

“It’s been a hard year for the Greek community,” said Glaze. “Thurtene helps bring everyone together for a good cause.”

The Greek fa‡ades and productions, as well as the games and food booths, are judged for awards for best construction, production, game and food. The Burmeister Cup, garnered last year by Delta Gamma and Sigma Nu, is awarded for overall excellence.

“Everything looks great this year,” said production judge and Business School faculty member Mark Soczek.

Each year, Thurtene selects a charity from a pool of applicants to receive the profits from the Carnival, as well as individual donations from participating groups.

This year’s charity was “Lift for Life,” a nonprofit gym in inner city St. Louis that provides after-school programs designed to keep under-privileged children off of the streets.

“Every dollar helps us out,” said gym director Linda Mosby. “We serve about 120 kids a night, and they are so excited to be here. It’s been a pleasure working with the Thurtene crew, and they have been coming in and volunteering. Seeing these college students really gives the kids hope.”

The lot was bustling with students, faculty and families, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Carnival. Turnout this weekend was expected to exceed 100,000.

“Thurtene is a big St. Louis tradition, and the turnout has been great,” said Greenbaum.

Alumni members in attendance agreed with Greenbaum’s assessment.

“Everything looks great this year. I worked booths when I attended Wash U., and the carnival has been pretty consistent over the years. The only difference would be the addition of more professional rides,” said Clark Schlutz, a Washington University alum and 15-year Thurtene attendee.

Indicative of the family atmosphere inspired by the carnival was Schlutz’s young daughter, Delaney, who, shyly smiling behind a colorful mound of ice, said her favorite part of the Carnival was the snowcones.

Despite the loss of one of the Thurtene panel members, a goalie who left to play in a national roller hockey championship with the University’s club team, the Carnival has continued to run efficiently.

“The Carnival is a ton of work,” said Greenbaum. “One less person is one less hand, but we’ve really pulled together as a team and worked hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly.”

Even the weather cooperated to bring to life the Carnival’s slogan, “Dream Big: Live the Magic,” in a flurry of food, fun and sun. As Kappa Sigma sophomore Aaron Lewis put it, “You just can’t go wrong with Thurtene weekend.”

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