From January through April are undoubtedly the worst months in Erie. The holiday seasons have come to a close and mentally we’re all over the snowy weather. Yet, here we are coming upon the commencement of March and still being plagued by cold, sleety, miserable weather. Personally, I’m sick of bundling up for another polar vortex just to walk across the street from my apartment to the library. They don’t call it “dreary Erie” for nothing.

Luckily, APB is providing a slew of events the week of April 23 to boost students’ morale and remind us that warmer days are quickly approaching. This week long celebration of spring, appropriately named Springtopia, features giveaways, activities and performers for students to enjoy.

The festivities begin on Wednesday, April 23 with a kickoff celebration on Friendship Green from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. At this kickoff, there will be poetry readings by the talented Monica Igras, Ian Hannold and Cee Williams. Additionally, there will be a zip-lining course available for students to zoom on, free t-shirts and of course, free food at the Knight Club.

Thursday’s events include a mass at noon with a complementary lunch following immediately afterwards. After mass and lunch, you can head to the Waldron Game Room to create your very own pottery project from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

On Friday, free Ben and Jerry’s ice cream will be offered on the North Hall lawn from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. After you’ve eaten your weight in free ice cream, you can venture on the zip line course again, or head over to the Knight Club at 9:00 p.m. to enjoy comedian Jay Black.

If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday, April 26, the Knight Club is hosting karaoke and “Happy Hour” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. After you belt out your rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” on the karaoke machine, check out comedian Nat Baimel at 9:00 p.m.

Looking for a break from all that homework on Sunday? Grab some friends and participate in the volleyball tournament at the Wellness and Recreation Center from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m., or chill out and watch “Delivery Man” on Friendship Green (Zurn 104 if the weather is bad) from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m.

Mondays are typically the doldrums of the week. For a pick-me-up, compete against your friends on an obstacle course, taking place on Friendship Green from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Then, rock out at the Timeflies concert, which is taking place at 7:30 p.m. in Hammermill.

Do the imminently approaching final exams have you stressing out? Relax with a massage at the Piano Lounge from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday. If you’re feeling lucky, play some BINGO in Hammermill from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. and win a major prize.

Springtopia closes on Wednesday, April 30, with free Henna tattoos at the Piano Lounge in Waldron from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, you can pick up an old-fashioned Coke bottle and anchor shaped bottle opener for a quick refreshment.

APB’s Springtopia serves a reminder for students to relax and have fun every once in a while, and these activities are a guaranteed fun time. So, gather up some friends and check out some of the events of Springtopia!