NORMAL - Illinois State University had a special - and welcome - guest at this year's Spring Fest: warm weather.

"Last year, it was cold. You can't beat this," said Lee Zucker, a sophomore special education major from St. Charles. "It's a fun event; there is always a lot of people."

Thousands of ISU students, alumni and community members gathered on the quad Saturday for a day of food, live entertainment and countess activities, all under the backdrop of sunny skies and warm temperatures.

The event had two stages for live entertainment, countless inflatable activities, food and numerous booths with information and free stuff from various school and local organizations.

Kevin Parkinson, Redbird Entertainment's chairman as part of the University Program Board, which sponsors the event, said this is the fourth year for Spring Fest in this format, while in years past there had been a similar event called Rites of Spring.

"This is for ISU students, Bloomington-Normal residents and businesses to unite together and just have some fun," said Parkinson, a sophomore social science education major.

Parkinson said each year organizers try to get the newest novelties, like the inflatables, and bring the latest music, a fact that Matt Sedwick can appreciate.

"I'm excited to see the band Lucky Boys. They are from around our hometown," said Sedwick, of St. Charles. "Plus, this event gets me excited to start coming here next year." Sedwick came with Zucker, his girlfriend, but is transferring to ISU next year.

Spring Fest was also coordinated to fall on the same weekend as Siblings Weekend, which is why Chris Kalal had come down from Downers Grove with her 11- and 12-year-old sons to visit their sister.

"This is just really nice for everyone, whether you are a student or just visiting someone. It's a great idea," Kalal said.

Sherie Kording, a freshman deaf education major, was working the Zeta Tau Alpha booth, which has information about their philanthropy, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

"We are out here to raise awareness about our philanthropy. It's not about us today. It's about letting people know about this important cause," said Kording, who along with other Zetas was passing out ribbons and cards about breast self-exams. "The weather's amazing, so there are going to just be tons of people all day."

The Wieringa family from Matteson even made the event part of their weekend getaway to ISU, as the family was coming to see the Gamma Phi Circus for the first time.

"We come down for Spring Fest, homecoming, all that kind of stuff," said Dany Wieringa, a 1988 ISU graduate, who brought his wife, Marla, and their three kids.

"We're having a blast," said his son, 11-year-old Alex. "I'm looking forward to the inflatable obstacles and boxing."

His brother, 8-year-old Evan, agreed. "I want to go into the inflatables, and we'll see who wins."

"This is like a little mini-vacation," said their sister, 9-year-old Lindsey.