Ninety years ago, Woodrow Wilson became the 28th President ofthe United States; the Boston Red Sox won the first true WorldSeries championship by defeating the New York Giants in the 1912fall classic; 1,502 people died when the Titanic hit an iceberg;and West Tennessee Normal School, a state college for the educationof teachers, opened its doors in Memphis.
Today, that school's transformed self, The University ofMemphis, will kick off its 90th Anniversary Celebration withExtravaganza 90, an outdoor festival on the Student Plaza at 3p.m.
The free festival, organized by the Student Activities Council,will include free foods, games and live music from The U of M JazzOrchestra, the Men's Quartet and the Student Brass Ensemble.
"It's important for students to see and experience the 90 yearsof history at The U of M," said Assistant Coordinator of StudentActivities Katie Lizarraga. "There will be food, music and acarnival-like atmosphere. It'll be a great time."
Entertainment will include juggler Bill Fry, balloon art byLester the Professional, magic, stilt walking and unicycle ridingby Mike the Roving Guy, a sketch artist and body painting.
Sophomore Jessica Grayson said as a resident advisor she willdefinitely be at the event. She added that she was excited aboutthe activities featured at Extravaganza 90.
"The activities sound fun," Grayson said. "That's why I'mgoing."
Other activities include a moon bounce, cakewalk, pie throwingbooth, bobbing for apples, a rock climbing wall and a field goalkick.
U of M student Brandi Jackson, a senior marketing major, saidExtravaganza 90 would also be a learning experience for students,in addition to the entertainment.
"I think the history of the school should be stressed during theevent," Jackson said. "It's a very good idea."
