Step right up to first state fair

Tercentenary Theatre will take on the look and feel of a state fair this Friday evening (Sept. 23) as students get the chance to ride a mechanical bull, dunk their deans and House masters, and milk a mock cow. Presented by the College Dean’s Office, the event – the first-ever campus-wide, welcome-back celebration – will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“The state fair is a great chance for students to reunite with friends and to meet new ones,” said Harvard College Dean Benedict Gross.

And while the dunking booth will be a popular draw (with Deans Dingman, McLoughlin, and Gross and several House masters having lined up to take the plunge), there are several other attractions and activities that are sure to entertain. Also on tap for Friday: a dessert-eating contest, midway games such as the bell-striking booth, and the Dave Foley Band, who will perform popular and original country tunes. Prizes, including gift certificates from Grendel’s, Cambridge Common, The Asgard, Charlie’s Kitchen, and Finale will also be given out, and the best bull riders will win a Harvard State Fair T-shirt. Harvard University Dining Services will be serving plenty of delicious food, including BBQ brisket sandwiches, hot dogs, tofu dogs, soft pretzels, cotton candy, and more.

Dean Gross is also encouraging upperclass students to gather in front of their freshman dorm from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to welcome the Class of ’09 as part of the first Homecoming in the Yard.