Iona’s Spring weekend took place this year from April 28 to April 30.

During the three days, multiple events surrounded the campus for all students to enjoy and participate in. The Gaels Activity Board (GAB)¬ worked to ensure that each event was planned and ran smoothly, especially the Spring Concert.

The Spring Fashion Show kicked off the weekend on Friday, hosted by IC Fashion Club. The showcase was approximately two hours long, and featured many student models, designers and performers.

Senior Jenny Aquino, president of the Fashion Club, cemented a high reputation for the organization and what its talented members are capable of. The show was well put together, and will be an event to look forward to for future Spring Weekends to come.

“It was a very exciting and successful show with a very impressive attendance,” junior Amanda Cifelli said. Cifelli, the series programming Chair for GAB, was elected to be a Co-Chair for GAB for the 2017-2018 academic year.

Multiple activities ran for students to attend both during the day and night. The annual Gael Jam, co-hosted by GAB and Mission and Ministry, began at 3 p.m. in LaPenta lot and included a free barbeque.

“It saves me every year, because I’m always so low on meal card money by this time,” senior Chris Kash said. “And you can’t get cotton candy in Spellman.”

Along with the food, students also had access to other, mostly free, outdoor activities.

“This year we had two mechanical rock walls, where students who made it to the top received a free Spring Weekend shirt,” Cifelli said.

Gael Jam also included student performances on the Spellman steps. The Praise Dancers, sophomore Kyle Ramos, freshman Verick White, freshman Daisha Reyes and junior John Beckerle were the initial entertainers. Pocket Tones, who was the professional performer, covered classic songs for an hour.

Some last minute performers emerged toward the end of the Jam, including senior Kelvin Najarro, sophomore Gabriella Archbold, graduate student Jon Severe, senior Amanda Moneta, sophomore Brian Moran and senior Teddy Forson.

Approximately 200 students participated in the 3rd Annual Paint Party, on Saturday. The party began at 9 p.m. and went until midnight. Everyone was dressed in white and danced while they got neon pain thrown on them.

Ty Dolla $ign and surprise guest Fat Joe performed on Sunday at the Spring Concert.

“The concert was so much fun,” senior Katie Feenan said. “When Fat Joe got on stage everyone freaked out, we were so excited. He was amazing.”

GAB hosted the event, and threw more free t-shirts to the audience.

Iona’s own junior DJ Jake Keller, the opener, performed at the concert as well.

“[He] opened the show and wowed the crowd,” Cifelli said.

Ty Dolla $ign emerged on stage following J.I.D., and performed “Paranoid,” “Wavy”and “Or Nah,” among others. Fat Joe joined Ty Dolla $ign on stage to perform “All The Way Up.”

Dolla $ign and Fat Joe also called students onto the stage to dance and sing with them.

GAB sponsored a raffle which allowed a few lucky Gaels to meet and take pictures with Dolla $ign and J.I.D. before he left campus.

“Overall, the weekend was extremely stressful, but very rewarding,” Cifelli said.

Iona staff and security as well as GAB’s advisor Kristin Yanniello, assistant director of Student Development, worked to make sure the events were carried out smoothly.

Even with the stress and hard work that comes into putting together an event like Spring Weekend, Cifelli said she is ready for the 2018 weekend planning.

“I can’t wait to become next year’s GAB co-chair,” Cifelli said.