Renovations have caused a decade-long tradition at WS to be cancelled.

SpartanFest, held every year in the fall, is an opportunity for clubs, sports, and other school-sponsored after school activities to raise awareness and money. Full of food, games, and arts-and-crafts, the fair is a well-loved WS tradition. Every year, hundreds of people from the Spartan community come out to show their support.

This year, however, renovations have caused the event to be cancelled. Issues with parking and space availability were among the numerous concerns cited by Activities Director Andy Muir, as construction has taken up most of the areas utilized for the event—both the student and staff parking lots, along with the courtyard.

“There were simply too many unknowns to justify having it this year,” said Muir. “It’s unfortunate but we are asking people to be flexible.”

For many clubs, SpartanFest was the primary source of funding for the school year. For example, in years past the Environmental Club has had a stand in the courtyard where t-shirts and potted plants are sold, all the while finding new recruits and raising awareness for environmental issues.

“I wish that we could have had SpartanFest because we had a lot of cool things planned for this year,” said senior Kiera Bothwell, an officer for the club. “It’s going to be hard to find other ways to fundraise but I guess we’ll just have to be creative.”

John Alukonis, the Varsity girls’ soccer coach, has used Spartan Fest to sell scarves bearing the slogan, “Spartan Strong.” The popular accessories were a way of raising money for the girls’ soccer team, providing funding for spirit wear and other expenses.

“We are maybe going to try to sell at football games or other events this fall,” said Alukonis. “It’s sad that we aren’t going to have [Spartan Fest] because I know it was popular, but I think that clubs will be able to find other ways to raise money.”

While SpartanFest being cancelled may not be the end of the world for WS clubs and activities, it does raise questions about other long-held traditions at WS. Will events like the Students vs. Staff basketball game, International Night, or even the homecoming dance be affected? We will just have to wait and see.

“As of right now, everything is up in the air,” said Muir. “We really just have to be patient and understand that this is all in the name of progress.”