Baylor Celebrates Diadeloso April 10

by Brent J. Atema, Student Newswriter

Baylor University will celebrate its 69th annual Diadeloso, beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, on Fifth Street and at Fountain Mall.
The theme for this year's "Day of the Bear" celebration is "Carpe Dia 2003," a continuation of last year's "Stars, Stripes and Diadeloso" theme as the Baylor campus focuses on patriotism and a rebirth of the American spirit.
Entertainment this year will include hypnotist Terry Stokes Jr., the National Pan Hellenic Council step show, Baylor spirit squad and yell leaders, and performances and demonstrations by several university clubs and organizations. Four bands, including Willis Brownstone and After Midnight, also will perform throughout the day.
Other activities include lunch for Baylor faculty, staff, students and guests from noon to 2 p.m. at Burleson Quadrangle. Several tournaments for brawn and brain will be held for students during the day, including 3-on-3 basketball, tug-of-war, sand volleyball, tennis, ultimate Frisbee, indoor soccer, a 5K run, rock climbing, Cranium, Taboo and a Scholar's Bowl. There also will be game booths, giant inflatables and other activities sponsored by student organizations.
Diadeloso will conclude at 9 p.m. with "DiaLightsOut" at the Baylor Ballpark. There will be fireworks, followed by the movie "The Rookie," shown on a giant screen.
Diadeloso originated in 1934 to give students a break from classes. The Baylor Chamber of Commerce began organizing the spring holiday in 1935, and it quickly became an annual event. The name of the occasion 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, call Baylor Chamber of Commerce at (254) 710-3322 or visit www.baylor.edu.