The weather stunk for most of last week, but yesterday afternoon the sunlight broke through, just in time for the annual spring celebration on the MAC Quad. Although "Springfest 2000" was not nearly as bombastic as those of years past--sumo wrestling and gladiatorial combat among the most conspicuous absences--it was a genuinely festive event that did much to dispel the dreariness that accompanies April snowfalls.

There was free food, provided by the student activity fee. There was free entertainment, provided by the Harvard Juggling Club. And there was free music, provided by a number of talented student bands and, of course, the main attraction, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Some lounged, others danced and few even found time to paw at a crooked tetherball pole planted in the middle of the lawn. Even the hapless 'Poonsters, still smarting from a humiliating softball defeat earlier in the afternoon, managed a smile or two. In short, a good time was had by all.

Cynics among us might belittle our Springfest by comparing it to larger-scale cousins at other schools. And yes, it would have been nice to have that inflatable playground again. But too often we forget that what matters is not how big or fancy these things are, but that, from time to time, we can take a lazy Sunday afternoon to relax, stretch out on the grass and enjoy each other's company.

Those members of the Undergraduate Council who planned and organized the event should be commended for their hard work and effort. And those of us who could not, for one reason or another, attend the festivities, should consider making that short trip down to river next year.