University Breaks for a "Snow Dia" April 6

by Amanda Lewis

The Baylor University family will take a break from the busy spring semester to celebrate "Snow Dia," the 72nd annual Diadeloso, on Thursday, April 6, on Fountain Mall off Fifth Street between the Marrs McLean Gymnasium and Morrison Hall.

This year's theme, "Snow Dia," boasts several activities with artificial snow. In addition to the typical Diadeloso festivities, this year's celebration will feature 60,000 pounds of artificial snow provided by Sturms Special Effects, a company which specializes in snow sets for movie and photo shoots. Snow-related activities include a snow park for snow angels, snow ball fights and snowmen.

Various activities and live performances will be open to the Baylor community throughout the day, including the inaugural Dia Dog Show where students may enter their pooch to compete for titles of Best Trained, Best Dressed, Best Trick and People's Choice.

Hypnotist Rich Aimes will return again this year for an interactive show on the entertainment stage from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Other featured performers include the Baylor Spirit Squad and Yell Leaders, Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir, Baylor Swing Club and Baylor Latin Dance Society. The National Pan-Hellenic Council's Step Show will showcase step performances by sororities and fraternities from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

All cafeterias will be closed, but a picnic lunch of hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, corn on the cob, potato salad and fruit salad will be served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Burleson Quadrangle. The cost is $7 for adults, and students may use a meal plan.

Diadeloso also serves as a time for student government elections. Candidates will address Baylor students during Chapel services at 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday in Waco Hall. Students may vote for their 2006-2007 student leaders on the Baylor Information Network at http://bin.baylor.edu.

Several student organizations will sponsor game booths, giant inflatables and other activities throughout the day. Students also may participate in several tournaments, including tug-of-war, ultimate Frisbee, racquetball, tennis, indoor soccer, campus golf, dodgeball and a 5k fun run. Student entry fees vary depending on the tournament.

Additional activities include the traditional Dia Queen competition, in which students vote for their favorite candidate to be crowned that evening, and a concert by Florez at 6 p.m. on Fountain Mall.

Diadeloso originated in 1934 to give students a break from classes. The name of the tradition has changed through the years from "All University Day" to "Physical Fitness Day" to "May Day." In 1966, the student body voted to name the annual event "Diadeloso" or "The Day of the Bear."

For more information about Diadeloso 2006, contact the Baylor Chamber of Commerce at (254) 710-3322 or visit www.baylor.edu/diadeloso .