The final full month of the semester has arrived, and although final projects and exams are knocking on the door, spring is already here. Get in touch with the changing season this month by taking an extra moment each day to observe the trees and flowers. Watch for new blooms and notice the landscape change a little bit with each walk to class. Soon, the bloomed trees will turn green until late October.
April is also full of plenty of important dates, holidays and events around WKU and Bowling Green. Are you going to walk a mile in heels on April 3? Are your taxes ready to be filed before April 15? How much candy will you eat from the Easter Bunny on April 21? Try not to let the stress of school consume your life too much so you can enjoy some of this city’s April events.
(Illustration by Madalyn Stack)
Monday, April 1
April Fools’ Day
For some, this is the greatest day of the year where, finally, you have a reason to prank your uptight friend. For those uptight friends, consider using your free class absences and call this a long weekend.
Wednesday, April 3
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
Now in its ninth year, the Interfraternity Council is accepting donations from participants who will walk a mile in bright red heels. The event helps raise money for Hope Harbor, a sexual trauma recovery center in Bowling Green. The event starts at 3 p.m. in Centennial Mall.
Thursday, April 4
It’s Complicated: Love, Comedy, Opera!
The Department of Music will co-produce two productions, “La Canterina” and “Trial by Jury,” at the Russell H. Miller Theatre in the fine arts center on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. Student admission is $16.
Saturday, April 6
Bowling Green Hot Rods first home game
The Hot Rods will play their first home game as defending Midwest League champions against the Dayton Dragons at Bowling Green Ballpark. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m., and there will be a replica championship ring giveaway and post-game fireworks. Students can show their ID and get tickets at a discounted $5.
Tuesday, April 9
International Year of Cuba lecture
In the baseball mood after going to the Hot Rods’ opening day game? University of Illinois history professor Adrian Burgos Jr. will give a lecture titled “Latinos and Baseball’s Integration Story: Minnie Miñoso, Roberto Clemente, and Race in America’s Game” at 7:30 p.m. in the Gary Ransdell Hall auditorium.
Thursday, April 11
Grocery Bingo
Health Education & Promotion’s monthly event is played like bingo, but instead of letter/number combinations, bingo cards consist of questions and facts. The winner of each round can be glad they put off grocery shopping or buying desperately needed paper towels. This month’s topic is the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, and the game starts at 6 p.m. in DSU Nite Class. You can read our past coverage of this event here.
Saturday, April 13
Football – Red vs. White Spring Game
One month of spring practices will conclude in Houchens-Smith Stadium at 2 p.m. The annual Red vs. White scrimmage match helps build individual player growth for the upcoming season and spurs discussion about what types of decisions will be made in August and September.
Monday, April 15
Tax Day
Did you (or your parents) remember to do your taxes? This is the last day to send in your tax information for 2018 to the Internal Revenue Service before incurring penalties.
Tuesday, April 16
City Commission meeting
Usually, the city commission meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. on the second floor of City Hall. This month’s first meeting was cancelled, therefore this will be citizens’ only chance in April to watch, or possibly participate, in the commission’s debate on city issues.
Thursday, April 18
Earth Day Festival
The Student Government Association Sustainability Committee will host informational booths, local vendors, live music and various activities to promote ways to take care of the Earth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Mall.
Friday, April 19
Lost River Sessions Live!
Hardcore public radio fans know watching live radio unfold is a special treat, and if you aren’t a hardcore fan, then go anyway and get in touch with Kentucky’s roots. Lost River Sessions, presented by WKU’s NPR and PBS stations, features a blend of bluegrass with other genres. The Capitol Arts Center will host the show starting at 7 p.m. Student admission is $8.
Saturday, April 20
Legopalooza
Lego professionals and amateurs of all ages are invited to The A-Frame’s second annual Legapalooza. The event will feature four types of challenges from creative to strategic building. Interested participants must pre-register and each challenge has a $3 entry fee. The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 21
Easter
Monday, April 22
Earth Day
Tuesday, April 23
WKU Baseball vs. Kentucky
The Hilltoppers will host the Wildcats off campus at Bowling Green Ballpark for a midweek baseball game starting at 5 p.m. The first 250 students to arrive will receive a red t-shirt. Take this afternoon to breathe and get away from the loads of work brought on by the end of the semester.
Wednesday, April 24
WKU Softball vs. Austin Peay
Maybe you can’t quite get away on the 23rd, but the softball team understands and will host the Governors on April 24 at the WKU Softball Complex at 4 p.m. Also, are you always put off by outrageously high prices for food at sporting events like any sane person would? This game will have hot dogs and popcorn on sale for $2 each.
Thursday, April 25
My Old Kentucky Throwdown
Spencer’s Coffee will host 64 of the best latte art makers to compete in a single-elimination style tournament. The top eight competitors will vye for cash prizes of $250-$1,000 each. Matching donations will be given to The HIVE, an organization that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the first round begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is free to attend.
Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27
SOKY Book Fest
This two-day event features authors of all genres holding panels, presentations, workshops and book signings. Friday is teen & children’s day and will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday is the main event and will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and will be held at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center on South Campus.
Monday, April 29
Front Porch S’mores
The Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center will help you get ready for summer camping trips by teaching you how to create the perfect s’more outside Preston Center from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
