Madi Salvati
[follow id = “MadiSalvati”]
The sun is shining, tractors are being pulled and the pungent smell of the dairy unit wafts through campus. This time of year at Cal Poly marks Open House.
This year, the sequence of events is entertaining and extensive. To help you navigate festivities, here is a handful of main events you won’t want to miss.
The 75th Poly Royal Rodeo
Since 1940, this event has been a staple at Cal Poly. It’s the largest college rodeo west of Mississippi, and competitors from all over the region come to compete. With barrel racing, goat tying and a variety of other events, the Poly Royal Rodeo is an authentic experience on campus.
Agricultural business senior Jake Rogers, ASI chief of staff, explained what an experience the rodeo truly is.
“It’s a different side of Cal Poly that a lot of people don’t see,” Rogers said. “It’s a fun environment, and I would definitely encourage people to check it out.”
The rodeo will be Friday, April 17, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, April 18, at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
Tractor Pull
If you enjoy big machines, the smell of exhaust and a whole lot of dirt, check out the Poly Royal Tractor Pull happening on Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m.
What exactly is a tractor pull, you ask? Josie Odello, the apparel co-chair for the pull event, shed some light.
“A rigged-up tractor (not your ordinary tractor) is hooked to a sled,” Odello said. “As the tractor pulls the sled down the track, a weight on the sled moves forward, causing the sled to go deeper into the ground, which makes it heavier for the tractor to pull. The goal is to see who can get the farthest down the track.”
The Tractor Pull has become another tradition for Cal Poly, and it not only shows off the school’s tractor innovation skills, but brings the campus together for some entertainment that is unique to Cal Poly.
Farmers’ Market
It is difficult to imagine San Luis Obispo without its farmers’ market — and what a way to really get a sense of the town if you are visiting Cal Poly for the first time.
The Farmers’ Market is a big deal in San Luis Obispo, and English senior Ali Garrison, co-chair for Open House, explained why it’s important for potential students to attend.
“Farmers’ is always a hit,” Garrison said. “Cal Poly takes over most of Broad Street, and we have a bunch of clubs and organizations out there for students to browse during Open House.”
Along with freshly grown veggies, bouquets of sunflowers and delicious tri-tip sandwiches, the Farmers’ Market is a must during Open House.
“It’s a cool look into Cal Poly and the community and how the two meld together,” Garrison said.
The Farmers’ Market is on April 16 from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Poly Royal Parade
The Poly Royal Parade showcases different clubs and organizations that are active at Cal Poly and in the community. The parade is a continuing tradition for Cal Poly and features different floats for each club, the Cal Poly Mustang Band, the Cal Poly cheer/stunt team and the Cal Poly dance team.
The parade will be taking place on a designated route on Saturday, April 18.
Club Fair
Just when you think you know everything there is to know about what Cal Poly has to offer, the club fair offers even more options to immerse yourself on campus.
“We have about 180 clubs and organizations coming out onto the lower half of campus,” Garrison said. “They sell food, hand out flyers and talk to admitted students and their families.”
But you don’t have to be newly admitted to enjoy this club fair.
“It’s just a really fun way to see what Cal Poly has to offer,” Garrison said. “I didn’t even know about a lot of the clubs and organizations that will be there, and I’ve been here for four years.”
Whether you’ve been a student at Cal Poly or are newly admitted, Open House is a great way to get to know the school and all of its quirks.