Vintage Days heats it up
By KIMBERLINA ROCHA
Bright skies, delicious food and family-centered activities were center stage at Vintage Days this weekend as more than 80,000 students and members of the community attended the event’s 30th anniversary.
Vintage Days with this year’s theme of, Walk on the Wild Side, started Thursday with events like the western-style Casino Night and ended Sunday with live entertainment from local bands.
Chef Orlando Gillam dips a slab of ribs in barbecue sauce at the Pi Sigma Epsilon’s food booth, during the Vintage Days weekend. Photo by Joseph Hollak |
Student director Benito Cardenas was satisfied with the high turnout and his overall experience of running Vintage Days.
“It was challenging and fun at the same time,” Cardenas said. “All in all, it was an excellent experience with a lot of students and community members. I’m happy with that.”
The Boomtown Carnival served up a wide selection of food, ranging from teriyaki chicken to crab tostadas to strawberries and whipped cream.
The Hispanic Business Student Association sold beef burritos and the Hispanic specialty rice drink horchata. Dozens of people stood in line to get a plate of the food. The money raised from the sales will help the financial status of the club.
Member Antonio Gaytan said Vintage Days was a success for HBSA.
“Overall, business was good and sales were profitable,” Gaytan said.
Pony rides, games, and arts and crafts were also available inside the kid’s zone.
The University Courtyard’s setup had patrons dunking resident advisers into a large basin of water, if their aim was right. The Participants received three balls for a dollar.
Sarah Beth Boutry, resident director of University Courtyard, said the organization raised more than $400.
The crafts faire offered colorful displays of jewelry, clothes and home decor.
Carol Deverick, one of the vendors at the crafts faire, showcased her creations of hand-painted rocks with images of cats, rabbits, turtles and other animals.
“It took me six months to prepare this display for Vintage Days,” Deverick said. “I look forward to coming back next year.”
Other events, like salsa night on Friday evening and Battle of the Bands on Saturday night, had a high turnout, as well.
The petting zoo located in this year’s Kids Zone was a huge success with children and parents alike. Photo by Joseph Hollak |
More than 500 people packed the Satellite Student Union on Friday night to dance to the live music of Orquesta Bakan. Many couples filled the dance floor, swaying to the fast beat of salsa.
Meng Song, an officer of the Fresno State Salsa club, said Vintage Days has been a great experience for the club.
“It has been phenomenal how many people turned up for salsa lessons,” Song said. “A lot of people are interested in salsa.”
Martha Guzman, a member of the Salsa Club, enjoyed the event as well.
“Vintage Days was a good experience for me,” Guzman said. “I got to listen to a live band and dance.”
Battle of the Bands also rocked with live music from West Howard, Ragg and Mr. Orange Undercover, among others.
Outlett won the grand prize as the crowned kings of the Valley. West Howard took second place with Mr. Orange Undercover taking first runner-up.
Live entertainment and good food weren’t the only attractions at the event.
For Danielle Jameson, of Bakersfield, Vintage Days was a chance to spend quality time with her children in a family-oriented atmosphere.
“I enjoy making the trip every year with my family,” Jameson said. “It’s a good time to grab food and play games with the kids.”
|
