By Cara Leahy, Student Reporter

Visitors to the World Famous Bean found a tropical twist on their usual dining experience Friday afternoon. The Spring Fever Luau gave students the opportunity to try new foods, play games and win prizes during their lunch break.

When entering the Bean, students were greeted by a large blow-up palm tree and “pool” of balloons. The salad bar was decorated with crepe paper streamers and pineapples. Plastic flower leis were handed out to further the luau experience.

The most notable culinary changes made were to the salad bar, instead of serving as an area for vegetarian dining, it catered to meat-eaters also by offering teriyaki beef and made-to-order sushi. A long line of students assembled as mealtime progressed.

“Usually, there’s vegetarian food and fruit, but the sushi’s new,” said Michael Siemek, freshman theatre major from Colleyville.

The sushi was not the only new addition to the Bean that day; students outside played on an inflatable slide and on the volleyball court set up for the occasion. Volleyballs and oversized beach balls were provided for players.

“I really like luau day,” said Shea Rattan, freshman public relations major from Midland. “It’s fun, and it really helps kick off the weekend.”

Familiar songs such as “Surfin’ USA” blared from the speakers while students ate, and everyone on both sides of the Bean had the chance to nab a free T-shirt at noon.