AURORA - A celebration of spring, which marks the final semester of studies and grades before a summer-long vacation, brought crowds to the Wells College campus for some music, art and culture.

Sponsored by the college's programming board, the annual Springshine Festival held Saturday capped a weeklong program of events.

The Springshine Festival provides entertainment that includes musicians, comedians and artists - national and local - along with a couple dozen booths set up by campus clubs.

"The Springshine Festival is the biggest event of the year," said Leslie Gaige, program board chair. "We plan all year long for this event. It is a way to relax after a long year of studies."

Throughout the week, students and community members were treated to movie nights, talent shows, political debates and much more in anticipation of Saturday's event.

National comedian Ty Barnett emceed the days' stage entertainment with his knack for crowd involvement. Barnett has been featured on Comedy Central, Star Search and Jimmy Kimmel Live.

"I didn't realize that this was an all-woman's college," Barnett said. "But I am a Libra, and I love people who love people."

A local acoustical folk band, The Bottom Feeders, kicked off the day's events with a relaxed stage presence, while Simplified Entertainment held games of laser tag, spin art, sand art and motion pictures.

Wine samples donated by King Ferry and Long Point Wineries were available for those of age from the Sodexho Campus Services, as well as a mountain bike giveaway.

Katie Breeze, a 2003 graduate, said Saturday's activities were not to be missed. Breeze, joined by former college friend Samantha Colayori, came to the campus primarily to enjoy the music of renowned folk singer-songwriter Dar Williams.

"We haven't seen each other since graduation," Breeze said. "We have tried to keep in touch through e-mail, but we finally decided to meet at the festival to relive some of our old college days."