Call it an annual rite of spring. With classes officially over, a carnival-like atmosphere enveloped the University of Miami campus last Thursday as students celebrated the end of spring-semester classes, enjoying a variety of activities at ’Canes Carnival. The daylong event, presented by Hurricane Productions (HP), featured Patio Jams by popular student acts; Star Wars-themed laser tag; carnival rides, food trucks, and giveaways; a concert on the Foote University Green by Kid Ink; and more.
Hurricane Productions rolled out a few new wrinkles for this year’s event, including more rides and more food trucks and a ’Canes Carnival and Kid Ink filter on Snapchat that allowed students to take and post pictures.
This year’s event, according to outgoing HP Chairperson Sophie Barros, went much smoother than last year’s. “We were even able to partner with Student Government to give seniors extra vouchers for food trucks as part of Senior Send-Off Week,” she said.
The ’Canes Carnival Challenge awarded prizes such as a meet-and-greet with Kid Ink, an HBO-sponsored Game of Thrones prize pack, and HP giveaways to students who attended the most events throughout the day. HP also raffled an Apple TV, iPad, and other prizes.
“It’s always great to see everyone enjoying the activities,” said Barros, noting that many of the students were ecstatic about the laser tag game. “It’s great to end the year on such a high note.”
To start off the night’s activities, UM’s own DJ, Eche Palante, performed before Kid Ink took the stage, and students, who were given glow sticks, flocked around the Foote Green and danced to the music.
Kid Ink, who arrived on campus via a large Range Rover, performed some of his most popular hits such as “Body Language” and “Main Chick.” He also remixed other songs like Omi’s “Cheerleader.”
According to Barros, Kid Ink was chosen after a student survey conducted last semester revealed that rap was the style of music they preferred for the ’Canes Carnival concert.
Sophomore Aaron Gluck, who learned about the concert through Facebook, had not heard of Kid Ink before the carnival but still enjoyed it. “I came to hang out with my friends, and so far, it’s been pretty fun,” he said. “I got food from the food trucks, rode some of the rides, and enjoyed a pretty cool concert from Kid Ink.”
