By Ashley Macik / Staff writer

Spring will officially begin at Pitt-Greensburg this week.

Beginning today, Monday, April 13, different events will take place each day – with the exception of Friday – until Sunday, Apr. 19. The events make up the university’s annual “Spring Week.”

“It’s a nice way to end the semester,” Jana Valentine, director of campus activities, said.

Some popular events are returning this year, such as the student fashion show. But there also are new activities being planned.

Monday will mark the campus’ first NASCAR Experience from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the Chambers lawn. It will feature an actual car where students can get a virtual reality feel of what it’s like to be in a NASCAR race.

“It’s something you would see at the Science Center,” Alyson Galentine, student activities board president, said. “It’s not a quarter machine.”

On Tuesday, “Beach Bum Bingo” will begin at 11 p.m. in Village Hall. Students who wear beach apparel will get to play an extra card. The prizes will also be beach-themed.

At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, a showing of “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” will also take place in Village Hall.

Thursday will mark the week’s signature event of the past three years – the Pitt-Greensburg Fashion Show. The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Campana Chapel.

Galentine initiated the show when she was a freshman. Now in her senior year, she looks at it with fondness.

“That’s my baby,” she said.

About 20 students are expected to walk the runway this year.

The models get $50 each to spend at their favorite store at Westmoreland Mall. They will then display their new outfits, which often range from casual to business, in the show.

On Saturday at 7 p.m., a version of the game show “Deal or No Deal” will occur in the chapel. It will even include female models to hold the numbered briefcases.

“We’re in the process of recruiting,” Valentine said.

Sunday will close out the week with another showing of “Mall Cop” at 8 p.m. in the chapel. There is no event on Friday due to the Student Leadership Ceremony.

Valentine feels the events will be a fun distraction from studying for finals.

“People need breaks,” she said. “They can play a few rounds of bingo. That’s why we do it at different times.”

Galentine agrees.

“It’s an hour or two where I can breathe,” she said.