Wares Fair, Fire Up Fest give students free stuff, look at football team

There was something different in the air at Wares Fair and Fire Up Fest on Thursday.

Business owners, including Robert Gaillard, felt it as an endless river of students raced through Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

“I think it’s the busiest I’ve ever seen it, and this is my third year.” said Gaillard, managing partner of Mountain Tan. “I think everyone is really fired up and excited. We gave away 500 t-shirts in 10 minutes.”

Students lined up from the front gates to Broomfield Street to get into the event, hosted by Central Michigan Life and the Athletics Department. Wares Fair hosted dozens of vendors giving away free food, coupons, magnets and more.

Kathy Simon, assistant director of student publications, said the excitement from the CMU football team’s 29-27 win over Michigan State on Saturday carried over to Wares Fair and Fire Up Fest.

“I think with the win, we can hope to see 7,000 to 8,000 students attending,” Simon said. “The crowd is excited to be here. They’re willing to stand in line around the corner for over an hour to get in.”

Change in the air

The estimated turnout is the same as the 2008 Wares Fair and Fire Up Fest. The change, however, was in the energy and atmosphere.

Returning students who visited Wares Fair and Fire Up Fest in the past noted the changes. Greenville senior Kaitlin Irish said it was one of the best ones yet.

“This year, it’s better. People seem more fired up,” Irish said. “I’m more excited after the victory.”
The extra energy and excitement did not catch the business vendors off guard however. Instead, vendors were just as excited as the students were, Gaillard said.

Fire Up Fest, which started one hour into the event, gave students a look at the CMU football team less than one week after the upset win at Spartan Stadium.

Coach Butch Jones and several players talked to the fans in the stands and gave students an early look at the Kelly/Shorts Stadium atmosphere before Saturday’s home opener against Alcorn State. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m.

Students were also reminded that players can’t look up into the stadium during the game or they get penalties. Students were encouraged to celebrate enough for the players and themselves.