Students, families have field day at 'Rutgers Day'

This year's annual Rutgers Day festivities took place on Saturday. The event, free of charge and open to the public, is the ultimate celebration of all things Rutgers, in addition to being an opportunity to spend time with family, friends and pets.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. on the College Avenue, Cook, Douglass and Busch campuses, each with their own exciting attractions. Throughout the day, more than 500 programs and demonstrations were held across the four campuses, as well as live performances, food vendors and the involvement of student organizations.

Several information desks were set up around the University to help people navigate the campuses and buses. 

Mya Castro, a School of Arts and Sciences junior, worked at an information desk on the College Avenue campus. 

"There's been a lot of families coming around," Castro said. "It's just a big day to celebrate what Rutgers stands for."

The College Avenue campus had a series of different pop-up tents around Voorhees Mall, some belonging to sponsors and others to student organizations. Attendees had the chance to play games and win free Rutgers gear and goodies.

Live performances took place throughout the day, with food vendors lining up throughout the area, serving hot dogs, pizza, ice cream and more. The henna tattoo, face painting and caricature stands were also a hit. 

Cook campus was bustling as attendees were drawn to the agricultural activities and offerings. 

The Rutgers farm was transformed into a petting zoo, which younger visitors and children, especially, gravitated toward.

Other animals not included in the petting zoo drew quite the crowd as well, as people got to take pictures with pigs, horses, cows, goats, sheep and chickens.

All over Cook and Douglass campuses, there were different food trucks and even a little farmers market where plants, vegetables and fruits were for sale. Many of the food items available were grown or produced right on the campus.

Over on Busch campus, the Scarlet-White Game took place at 3 p.m. Football fans gathered at the free event to watch the Scarlet Knights face off in the annual spring game. 

There were different games, activities and even a Ferris wheel right inside SHI Stadium behind one of the end zones. Outside of the stadium, fans prepared for the upcoming football season and tailgated just as they would in the fall.

Despite the different atmosphere on each campus, the event helped bring the student body together. Meredith Buckley, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore, described their first time attending Rutgers Day.

"I liked the feeling of community," Buckley said. "There's a lot of families here, a lot of dogs, and it seems like everyone is having a good time."

With decision day coming up, Rutgers Day also provided clarification for curious high school students.

"It is mostly (for) families and students who want to go to school here, but they aren't sure about it yet," Castro said.

Many of the attendees are Rutgers alumni who came to the event with their families and pets to show their Rutgers pride.

Rutgers Day wrapped up around 4 p.m., culminating with the Scarlet-White Game, which resulted in Team Scarlet's victory. After the game, fans lined up on the field to meet the players and receive autographs.

Whether you were a student eager to display school spirit or a curious visitor, Rutgers Day offered something for everyone.