Medeival Fair fries more than food

Crowds flocked to the Medieval Fair this weekend, enjoying sword fights, costumes and fair food; forgetting to pay attention to the blazing sun that left many participants beet-red at the end of the day.

Spring has arrived, and safety officials urge students to apply sunscreen to
protect their skin from hazardous ultra-violet rays.

Skin cancer has risen dramatically within the last decade, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Simple preventative action, such as applying sunscreen, could put a stop to potential sun damage, the foundation says.

Former OU student Talia Magrill did not apply any sunscreen before she attended the fair on Saturday.

"My back hasn't seen sunlight since 2008," Magrill said. "I was only out in the sun for a couple hours, and now I'll have tan lines until June," she said.

Students can purchase sunscreen at most retail locations. Dermatologists suggest applying an SPF 15 or greater, according to the American Melanoma Foundation.