PITTSBORO - One after another, students at the Central Carolina Community College Pittsboro Campus climbed on the back of a mechanical bull. They remained only a few seconds.

The bull quickly went into motion and threw them to the inflated floor of the small ring, much to the amusement of friends and classmates who were watching the action.

The mechanical bull was just one of the activities that students and staff enjoyed during CCCC's Fall Activity Day Tuesday at the Pittsboro Campus. Each year, toward the middle of the fall semester, the college uses one afternoon at each of its campuses to encourage the students just to enjoy themselves in the college setting.

"It's a good chance to get the students and faculty outside of the classroom, interacting with each other and students from other curriculums and enjoying each other," said Mike Neal, CCCC Student Activities Director.

The event was sponsored by the Student Government Association.

At the Pittsboro Campus, the theme of the day was "Music Fest" and participants were treated to both recorded music and live music performed by fellow students. While listening, they could also enjoy the excitement of riding the bull or the whirly bird or the fun of a bounce house.

When not playing, there were good things to eat - all free, including hamburgers and hot dogs.

Student Amy Andrews, of Siler City, described the Activity Day as "Wonderful!"

"We can be together and have fun," she said. "It crosses cultural lines and brings unity."

Student Lorenzo Cotton, of Pittsboro, was one of those who tried their skill with the mechanical bull. He didn't last very long, but it didn't dampen his enthusiasm for the day.

 "I'm having a lot of fun - especially the bull riding," he said with a big smile.