Ever wonder why we call the football game cannon Touchdown Tommy? Or why we hold up four fingers after the third quarter? Where did our school colors come from anyway?
Learn the history of these and other University of Miami traditions this Friday at the second annual Orange Festival. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the SAC Patio, nearly a dozen sponsors, guests, and student organizations will offer free giveaways including T-shirts, ‘Canes memorabilia, and of course, fresh Florida oranges!
“The goal is to teach students about what they do every day in a fun way,” said Seth Furman, co-chair of the festival. “We hold up the four fingers during games, but not everyone really knows what they mean.”
Created two years ago to combat the lack of school spirit during the off-season, Orange Festival Co-Chairs Furman and Michaela Hennessy were members of the festival’s first executive board.
“We wanted to create something ‘Homecomingesque’ in the spring semester,” Furman said. “Right around Mardi Gras is the perfect time, and students are already excited since it’s the day before spring break.”
Special guests Obie the Orange and the Orange Bowl Committee will join the festivities along with Sebastian the Ibis and the Miami Maniac.
“It’s a time to celebrate UM and everything we love about it,” said Claire Kebodeaux, vendor liaison of the Orange Festival.
Attendees are encouraged to wear orange to show their ‘Cane pride. “Students can get pretty creative with the orange in their closets,” Furman said. “It’s going to be a fun day.”
