UCSB students and community members crowded the streets of Isla Vista last Saturday to enjoy the second annual Pardall Carnival.

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From a Ferris wheel to tea cups, families and students alike enjoy the attractions and free samples on Pardall.

The carnival was hosted by Associated Students, which offered the free event to celebrate the strong ties shared by the university and Isla Vista residents. Attractions included a Ferris wheel, tea cup ride, dunk tank and rock climbing wall.

According to A.S. External Vice President of Local Affairs Cori Lantz, a fourth-year political science major, Saturday’s event attracted twice as many student organizations and local businesses as the 2009 carnival. Lantz also said the celebration was more inclusive than in years past due to the increase in games and activities targeting families in I.V.

“My favorite aspect of the event is seeing students, families and children interact in a way that would be impossible without this carnival,” Lantz said.

Cristina Cook, publicity co-chair for the A.S. Environmental Affairs Board and fourth-year environmental studies major, said the carnival served as an opportunity to endorse clubs on campus.

[media-credit id=20128 align=”alignright” width=”179″][/media-credit]“We’ve been doing a lot of recruiting, which is great,” Cook said. “Our goal is to let people know about our organization to promote environmental activism.”

Rosalie Phyllis, a first-year biology major, said she enjoyed the event, but her fear of a wardrobe malfunction prevented her from taking advantage of all the rides.

“I like the friendly atmosphere here and the free candy,” Phyllis said. “Don’t wear a skirt. I couldn’t go on the Ferris wheel.”

Despite the carnival’s success, Lantz said the future of the event is uncertain. Lantz, the event’s original organizer, plans to graduate this June. Furthermore, while some eateries used the occasion to promote their services by offering free samples, others complained that the event was a disturbance to business.

Regardless, Megan Shumate, chair of the I.V. Community Relations committee, said she is determined to establish the carnival as an annual tradition in I.V.

Daily Nexus Video coverage of the event:



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