A mechanical bull and flaming gummi bears are just two events planned for visitors of Cy’s Big Top and the many open houses set up across campus Veishea weekend.

The events are part of Veishea Village and will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The open houses feature interactive shows and informational displays from more than 75 different Iowa State clubs and organizations.

“We’re really excited about the different array of groups we have coming,” said Jen Tabke, open house co-chairwoman.

Along with rides on the mechanical bull, the Rodeo Club will give roping exhibits.

Tonia Hesse, open house co-chairwoman, said the flaming gummi bears were part of a biochemical experiment, and that the exhibit was very popular last year.

“Basically, they send gummi bears flying,” she said.

In addition, the Dairy Science Club will be milking cows and making homemade ice cream, and an engineering group plans to demonstrate the technique of glass-blowing.

Groups such as the ISU Skydivers, the Mountaineering & Climbing Club, ROTC, the Tae Kwan Do Club and the Fencing Club also will give demonstrations.

“[The organizations] use this as a publicity tool to inform the campus and the Ames community about the different things their clubs are doing,” Hesse said.

The open houses are not limited to ISU groups; many organizations from the Ames community also are participating.

A replica of the Atanasoff-Berry computer, a creation of former ISU professor John Atanasoff and former ISU student Clifford Berry, will be on display courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory.

Also, Ames Parks and Recreation has several games and activities planned.

“It’s really neat how we’ve gotten a lot of the community involved,” Tabke said.

ISU faculty and staff members will judge the open house displays and activities and will give awards for the most creative, most educational and most inspirational exhibits.

A people’s choice award also will be selected.

Voting boxes will be set up at the Cy’s Big Top ticket booths, and visitors of the open houses can place a vote for their favorite display.

“I’d encourage everyone to go out and check out the open houses and support these student organizations and support Veishea,” Hesse said.

Tabke said the open houses are a good way for the community to learn what the different groups at ISU do.

For students, she said it also is a great chance to see their friends helping out at the displays.

“We’re going to have all of central campus packed,” Tabke said. “It’s a great educational opportunity for everyone, and it’s a lot of fun.”

Cy’s Big Top, which is geared mostly toward families and children, also has planned several activities for people of all ages.

“It will be just like a little carnival,” said Erin Lahr, Cy’s Big Top co-chairwoman.

“I think it’s going to be really exciting this year,” she said. “We have more groups participating than in the past.”

A seat belt race, sponsored by Students Against Drunk Driving and the Transportation Student Association, will provide car safety activities for children.

Athletes from several ISU sports teams, including men’s hockey and women’s basketball, will be signing autographs.

Other groups are sponsoring a petting zoo, a puppet show, a pie toss and balloon animals and helium balloons for kids.

Carnival activities, including a ring toss, jugglers and face-painting, also will be featured.

Cy’s Big Top is located on central campus between Curtiss and Beardshear Halls on the side closest to Curtiss.

Lahr said the event is free, but that tickets will be needed for some of the activities. Tickets cost 25 cents apiece or $1 for five.