Forty Years of Mudfest

October 14, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — From Oct. 18 to Nov. 1, “40 Years of Mudfest” will be celebrated in the Tolbert Residential Area on the University of Florida campus.

Each fall, the Tolbert Area Council (TAC) arranges for a 1,250 sq.-ft.-pit in the Tolbert Area Courtyard to be dug and filled with Georgia Red Mud and water. This mud pit is the venue for two weeks of Mudfest competitions that match floor against floor for activities including MudTug, MudPolo, MudUltimate, and MudVolleyball. Floor communities also compete in spirit competitions such as best T-shirt design, best lounge window painting and best door decorations. There also is a philanthropic event, Penny Wars, to support participation in Dance Marathon with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network.

Additional special events are planned this year to recognize the historical significance of the event. An opening ceremony is planned for Oct. 18 at 3:15 p.m. to include campus administrators, campus celebrities and TAC alumni. Gainesville Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan, Tolbert Area alumna, also will be in attendance.

“Mudfest has been a completely student run event for the past 40 years,” said Scott Mangino, North Hall Graduate Hall director and TAC adviser. “Twelve volunteer student leaders from TAC began planning this special Mudfest celebration months ago and are excited to celebrate 40 Years of Mudfest. This is an event that helps build a great sense of community and lifelong friendships among the 1,000 residents in the Tolbert Area.”