CSULB
to host festival celebrating diverse community
By
Monique Marcus
On-line Forty-Niner
To
kick off spring, Cal State Long Beach will
celebrate the 19th Annual Kaleidoscope Festival
Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival
showcases numerous displays and activities
for people of all ages. Admission and parking
are free.
"The
festival began in 1985 as a combination
of old festivals to celebrate the achievements
and diversity of the university, as well
as the community," said Zanaida Robles,
the coordinator of Kaleidoscope.
The
university will host more than 30,000 people.
Among the crowd will be those interested
in becoming future 49ers, local residents
out for a day of fun and students and faculty
desiring to display their Beach Pride.
"The
festival's purpose is to open the campus'
doors to different departments and organizations
on campus and off." Robles said. "It's
a great opportunity for them to share ideas,
fundraise and promote their groups."
The
event will consist of nearly 200 displays
that will include games and rides such as
an inflatable slide and laser tag, along
with various activities and entertainment
such as a presentation of sword fighting
by the Society of Creative Anachronism,
an organization dedicated to re-creating
the arts and talents of pre-17th century.
In
addition, there will be Children's Day,
featuring an abundance of organizations
geared toward children, animals and the
preservation of the planet. A Wellness Fair
will be held that will include the returning
of the Muscle Car 500 push cart races sponsored
by the Center for Health Care Innovation.
The Earth Day stage will feature representatives
from the El Dorado Audubon Society and Algalita
Marine Research, both organizations that
promote the awareness, education and stability
of animals' habitats. There will also be
a Cesar Chavez Village, an African Marketplace
and a World stage, along with arts and crafts
and international cuisine, such as Armenian
pizza and Turkish food.
"It
takes an entire year to plan for the festival,"
Robles said. "The cooperation of several
of the departments on campus, the student
union, the police department and the health
department are needed to ensure the festival's
success."
The
organization of the event plays a major
role in determining the success of all the
associations involved and open house. Open
house is designated for freshman and transfer
students interested in attending Long Beach
the upcoming academic year. It gives participants
a look at what the university has to offer.
Orientation is held the morning of the festival
at The Pyramid, followed by several workshops
with topics including financial aid, student
services, housing and detailed information
on different majors.
Student
participation is growing, but Robles desires
to see more of the residents in the community
coming to the festival.
"Many
of the residents surrounding the university
are unaware of the event," said Robles.
"I would like to see more of the community
join in on the fun. The festival really
is a big party, in part, for them, and it's
only a free shuttle ride away."
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