Clubs aspired to recruit students assembled at Block Party 2012 in the residence hall quad Thursday for an afternoon filled with food, games and music courtesy of Associated Students, Inc.

Over 500 students turned out for the afternoon event, which ran from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and also served as a recruiting opportunity for an assortment of organizations on campus.

Rylan Gervase, a senior government major with ASI was at their booth. He said throwing the event was a great way to recruit and also bring people together just to have fun.

“It’s good to introduce ASI to new people,” Gervase said. “It gets them interested and we reap the benefits.”

Stephanie Harford, a freshman child development major, said she showed up to the block party just to have some fun.

“So far I’ve just been waiting in line,” Harford said.

The main line at the event was for a T-shirt giveaway from ASI, which had 250 to hand out. Students had to wait a while for their shirts because ASI required they provide their contact information.

Josie Feist, a freshman music and performance major who lives on campus, said she heard about the block party when she saw the posters Wednesday and decided to check it out.

“It’s better than I thought it would be,” Feist said. “It’s really cool.”

The block party also featured a human sphere ball that students could climb into.

Headlining the block party was Jamaican reggae performer Keznamdi, who jammed with his band for two hours.

Chantel Banus, a junior dietetics major who was with the orientation leader recruitment booth, was surprised at the turnout.

“There were a lot more than I expected,” Banus said. “For as hot as it is, I’m surprised this many people stayed around.”

Sean Keister can be reached at [email protected].