This carnival is undoubtedly one of both the nation’s oldest and the University’s most treasured traditions. It is a fun event that brings the University together with its alumni and the St. Louis community at large. It is also meant to be a philanthropic endeavor that benefits a St. Louis non-profit long after the facades disappear. In recent years, however, the charitable emphasis of ThurtenE has taken a backseat to facade building.

ThurtenE honorary has decided to donate its proceeds from this weekend’s carnival to the Belle Center. This charity assists children with developmental delays and disabilities, as well as their families. The center focuses on helping these children to be included in their home communities, according to its website.

Not even a tornado warning could stop ThurtenE. Despite almost constant rain and high-speed winds, people from the Washington University and St. Louis communities did not hesitate to come out to Brookings Drive for this year’s carnival. The carnival, which is in its 75th year and is run by ThurtenE, a junior honorary, bore a “Choose Your Own Adventure” theme.

Arte Moreno, owner of the the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, spoke to members of the Olin Sports Management Organization this past Thursday. Moreno is the highest profile guest of the club, which looks to help Wash. U. students land jobs in the sports industry.

Just days before ThurtenE Honorary’s annual carnival last spring, the group found itself in a sticky situation when media outlets reported that the Better Business Bureau questioned the fiscal performance of its selected charity. At the time, the honorary stood behind the Foundation for Children with Cancer (FCC), and the charity now has an opportunity to reshape its reputation.

Freshman Press takes a look at some of the biggest Wash. U. traditions, like Bauhaus, Beta Bubbles, Carnaval, Dance Marathon and Diwali.

Photographs from the 2009 Thurtene carnival.

ThurtenE Carnival, which will occur the weekend of April 18 and 19, has been moved this year to Brookings Drive, the grassy median in front of Brookings Hall. This is a break from previous years, when the carnival was held in the parking lot closest to Whitaker Hall.