Al Fresco festival welcomes faculty, staff, students for day of fun
Al Fresco attendees enjoying the outside festivities.
- September 2, 2010
Live entertainment, free food, and a friendly atmosphere are only a small part of the activities that will take place at the 22nd annual al Fresco “welcome back to campus” festival on the Hayward campus. Running from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 in front of the New University Union, students, faculty and staff are invited to briefly step away from their newly busy schedules to relax in the fresh air.
“We want to start off the year with a bang,” said Jonathan Stoll, programs coordinator for the Associated Students Inc. “It’s a good opportunity to celebrate (Cal State) East Bay and get (the academic year) started off on the right foot. It generates a feel of campus life and community.”
By counting how many hot dogs are given away, ASI estimates 2,000 people attend the outdoor event annually. Being one of the largest events on campus, al Fresco offers a chance for sororities, fraternities, clubs and organizations to recruit students.
This year’s festival will be the first without a performance by a major recording artist, in order to give campus club members an opportunity to perform. The Music Department and pep band will showcase their talents for the first time on the Agora Stage.
The Sledge Grits Band will headline the event. Originally from Florida, the rock band is comprised of four sisters, the youngest player being seven-years-old.
Senior Joe Tafoya, 21, expressed high hopes for this year’s welcome festival.
“It’s going to be big,” Tafoya said. “The tables are a one-stop shop for student involvement. There will be tug-of-war and every year you can hear the noise from across the whole campus. It’s a nice day of fun and games.”