By Christina Armeni 

Thousands of visitors jumped in bounce houses, dug up fossils and took pictures with athletes April 27 at the University of Maryland. The 21st annual Maryland Day brought students, friends, family and alumni to campus to celebrate school pride, participate in active learning, and watch the spring football game.

The entire campus was transformed for the festival. The university was divided into six areas: Ag Day Avenue, Biz and Society Hill, Science and Tech Way, Sports and Rec Row and Terp Town Center.

There was something for everyone to enjoy with over 400 activities and events.

On Mckeldin Mall, visitors could listen to the Mighty Sound of Maryland drumline, enjoy a crab cake or learn to make origami.

Each school within the university had a tent set up to inform prospective students about their programs. The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences offered global trivia with fun prizes and a photo booth. You could talk to a philosopher or learn the history of Maryland immigration with the College of Arts and Humanities. Visitors could meet student entrepreneurs, play cornhole and eat Old Bay popcorn with the Smith School of Business.

A #MarylandDay sign by The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center welcomes guests onto campus. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Parents, students and children compete in a casual logrolling competition. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

A young girl blows bubbles with her father on McKeldin Mall. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Testudo poses with three miniature foam Testudos. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

After collecting Testudos from the fountain on McKeldin Mall, a child keeps Testudo safe on her head. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Maryland Day volunteers and guests watch a Jenga game with anticipation. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Families lounge by the fountain and a child dips a toe in the water to cool off. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Tania Otero Martinez and her family sit on the sundial while eating a funnel cake. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Students, families and community members walk around McKeldin Mall, exploring the various stands and activities stationed on the mall. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Senior Michael Malcolm and sophomores Will Washburn and Emma Weiss showcase a water- saving irrigation system at the Green Roots stand. (Taneen Momeni/Bloc Reporter)

Sports fans were able to meet and get autographs from Maryland athletes including members of the men’s and women’s basketball teams.

In conjunction with the day’s festivities, the Maryland football team had their Red-White spring game. This game drew lots of attention from fans as it was the first Maryland appearance with Michael Locksley as head coach. The D.C. native was hired after former coach D.J. Durkin was fired amidst the tragedy last year when offensive lineman Jordan McNair collapsed at a preseason practice and later died from heatstroke. The red team won 28-17 at Maryland Stadium.

Terp fans were able to avoid rain but the festival had to handle the effects of some harsh winds. Tents had to be secured with extra weights and booth workers got crafty weighing down pamphlets with water bottles and rocks.

Overall, the festival was a success with visitors able to eat funnel cake, watch football and learn about the university’s programs at this year’s Maryland Day.

Featured Photo Credit: Freshman public health majors Sarika Walia (left) and Jordan Bridges pose for a picture on McKeldin Mall at this year’s Maryland Day. (Christina Armeni/Bloc Reporter)

Christina Armeni is a freshman journalism major and can be reached at christinavarmeni@gmail.com.