SAN MARCOS - Palomar College celebrated spring with Beach Boys songs, Hula-Hoop contests and Hawaiian pork during a Polynesian-themed luau Wednesday meant to give students a break from class.

Hosted by the college's Associated Student Government, the two-day Springfest wound down Wednesday afternoon as students listened to DJs spin hit songs, enjoying a free lunch, darted up a rock climbing wall sponsored by U.S. Army recruiters and browsed booths from local businesses and campus organizations.

Jesse Lyn, an Associated Student Government senator, said the luau allowed students to mingle before gearing up for the rush of finals.

"Sometimes we get single-minded about getting our work done," said Lyn, who wore a colorful Hawaiian print skirt, a plastic purple lei and a shell necklace to get into the spirit of the event. "This is a way to get to know other students in a casual atmosphere."

Bruce Bishop, director of student activities, said the annual Springfest serves to make the college feel more like a community and less like a commuter campus.

"What we try to do is give students as much of a 'real college' experience as we can," said Bishop, in between handfuls of free kettle corn. "We want them to be involved in the college experience beyond the classroom so they feel better connected with the college. The main thing is to give them an alternative to leaving."

Junior Tina Timonian said the luau helped bring students together.

"You don't get to meet a lot of people unless they do get-togethers like this because everyone's schedules are so different," said Timonian after watching a basketball dunk contest. "It gives students a fun environment to kick back and mingle. It also shows the school cares by providing students with all kinds of good stuff."

- Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 761-4404 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.