Even the weather cooperated last weekend as unprecedented numbers of students, faculty, and staff descended on the MAC Quad for an afternoon celebration at this year’s significantly expanded Springfest outdoor festival.

Police and Harvard University Dining Services (HUDS) estimated total attendance to be 7,000, according to Harvard University Police Department Sgt. Richard P. DeCruz.

This year, the festival—organized by the Undergraduate Council and open for the first time to members of the Harvard community—received an added boost in funds from University President Lawrence H. Summers.

A large number of carnival activities and headliner band The Verve Pipe—made possible by the approximately $80,000 that funded this year’s festival—impressed many attendees who called it the best Springfest ever.

“This is about 10,000 times better [than previous Springfests]. It’s a great crowd, great food, everybody had a great time,” said John R. Conway, a Harvard electrician.

“It was clearly much better funded than previous Springfests. It got the cash flow it needed,” Vladimir A. Kleyman ’02 said.

Springfest took on a family-friendly tone this year when Summers suggested faculty, staff, and their families be more included in the events.

Young children played in the Lowell Courtyard, which was filled with age-appropriate rides and activities.

Michael A. Annis, age 10, and Sashko Stubailo, age nine, who were waiting in line for Giant Slide ride, said they liked “the bouncy thing and slide.”

“It’s been great for children, really, very good,” said Claudia B. Danilowicz, a research associate in the Physics Department, who brought her children—aged three, five and seven—with her to Springfest.

Council President Sujean S. Lee ’03 said she was thrilled with the crowd.

“This is the biggest turnout Springfest has ever seen,” she said.

At any one time, approximately 70 children played in the Lowell Courtyard while Harvard students waited in long lines for rides.

The tent where HUDS served burgers, hot dogs, and salad was packed for nearly the full five hours of Springfest.

One of the most popular attractions of this year’s Springfest were the student bands—Un Poquito Mas, Invisible Downtown and Diaco—all of which drew cheering students.