UC NASCARnival Drives Efforts to Bring New Bearcat to the Zoo

Remote-control car races, Big-Wheel races, tire tosses and a showcase featuring the all-new redesigned 2008 Scion XB, Toyota NASCAR Camry and Tundra NASTRUCK – all will be featured as part of the NASCAR theme of the 68th annual Sigma Sigma Carnival at the University of Cincinnati from 7 p.m.-1 a.m., Saturday, May 19, on UC’s Sigma Sigma Commons, rain or shine. One of the night highlights will be a 10 p.m. fireworks display by Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks. UC student carnival organizers say they plan to raise $5,000 for a down-payment on an exhibit that would bring a bearcat back to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

“The Sigma Sigma Carnival is an annual celebration for students, the UC community and alumni to promote camaraderie, fun, pride and spirit as students celebrate the end of the school year each spring,” says Sigma Sigma Carnival Chair Danh Vu, a fifth-year marketing/international business major from Cincinnati. “Last year’s carnival brought nearly 5,000 people to Sigma Sigma Commons for a night of games, music and socializing. We look forward to a larger turnout this year, since we will have a distinct carnival atmosphere, creative booth games and music integrated with the Rozzi fireworks”

Sigma Sigma is a UC honorary fraternity that recognizes students who have made significant contributions to the university. The organization was founded at UC in 1898 and is the oldest honorary organization at UC.

“Sigma Sigma is committed to working with the Cincinnati Zoo to provide the financial means to house a bearcat at the zoo,” says Ryan Vose, a carnival organizer and fourth-year electrical engineering major from Springboro, Ohio.

Admission to the carnival is free, with sales proceeds coming from food, beverages and games. Traditionally, families arrive early at the carnival, which will also include a balloon artist and cotton candy for young children. Vose adds that the carnival will feature live music on center stage.

The Toyota Scion showcase will present the all-new 2008 Scion X-B with a new 2.4 liter engine and 158 horsepower.

The Sigma Sigma Carnival is one of the highlights of UC Alumni Weekend May 18-20. UC student groups sponsor the carnival game booths, which will also include a dunk tank, Karaoke, Hillbilly Golf and Pin-the-Tailpipe-on-the-NASCAR. Sponsors providing significant support for the Sigma Sigma Carnival include Scion: Toyota NASCAR; UC MainStreet; UC Student Government; Programs and Activities Council; RallyCats; Bearcat Advertising & Network Group; UC Mobile; UC Alumni Association and McMillan Manor.

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