This May will mark Oswego State’s first-ever appearance of Ozfest. Ozfest is a festival for students on the last day of classes that will run 12 p.m. to the end of the concert.

However, the festival is, to the eyes of many, nothing more than the college’s attempt to distract students from their typical end of class behavior. Even Oswego State’s official website states Ozfest is “a festival that is designed as an alternative to the traditional student activity on the last day of classes, the Bridge Street Run.”

In terms of distractions, this one seems great. This year, the college is trying many incredible things to grab people’s attention. There will be rock climbing, mini golf, a mechanical bull and bungee jumping at Case-a-Palooza just to name a few.

On top of that, the school moved the spring concert so it now follows the event, and they have brought in big name artists. Big Sean, B.o.B, Mac Miller and Timeflies will be performing. A lot of students have already purchased their tickets and some people from the town have expressed their interest in the event as well.

Although a good alternative, this isn’t Oswego’s first attempt to change students’ behavior. Before now, the school always held Case-a-Palooza. Clearly Ozfest has taken many steps to prove that the events are not the same by increasing the time, the number of events and the amount of space on campus used for the festival.

To those who will miss Case-a-Palooza, do not fear. The school is bringing back many of the activities it has held. In addition to all of the new things students can try, the school is bringing back the photo booth, dog tag creation station as well as a caricature artist.

It has even brought in activities usually done on May Day and Laker Fest, like stuff-a-buddy, having a fortune teller and the big chair for photos.

Unfortunately, there are those who still see this as an opportunity to go crazy. One senior I talked to said he was, “going to start drinking at nine in the morning,” so he can have a good time at the event. Others have stated that they are just going to go to BSR earlier so they can be back on campus by the time the concert starts.

Oswego is doing the best with what it has. The event will no doubt be great as it has something for everyone and is bringing in the things that everyone loves, and for those on campus who don’t like to go out and party, it is an incredible way to spend the day. It will be great, but there is no stopping BSR. People who want to go out will still go out.

It is all about having the option. With so many different opportunities this year, we can hope to see a decrease in the number of students who go down Bridge Street from last year. The school has given this event everything. Hopefully the school’s best is good enough to make a change.