This year the Open House Committee wants to remind people that the weekend is not just for alumni and prospective students – it’s about the kids too.
“I remember going to (events) with my siblings and it was kind of boring,” said Serena Bruce, an ecology and systematic biology junior who promises this year’s Open House will be “overall good times for everyone.”
Bruce, who serves as a campus and community relations coordinator as well as a club relations coordinator on the committee, said the Kids’ Fair is slowly coming back since ending with Poly Royal in the ’90s.
Last year marked the return of the carnival, which Bruce thought was “a little shaky.” But this year, the carnival was a priority for the committee, many campus clubs and local organizations jumped at the opportunity to help out.
The Student California Teachers Association will do face painting and organize an art project, while the Week of Welcome team will be sponsoring a bounce house and snow cones. The Design-Build Institute of America will also sponsor a Lego-themed project.
A gladiator arena will be set up to attract a broader audience.
“We’re going to get older kids up there hopefully,” Bruce said.
The committee also has some shows lined up, such as Zoo2You, a wildlife education program which will provide a show featuring an array live animals. In addition, there will also be two magic shows, courtesy of local magician Dr. Magic.
If that isn’t enough, there will be a balloon artist and a DJ, who Bruce said will have plenty of pop music on hand “if younger kids ask.”
On top of all that, Cal Poly’s mascot, Musty the Mustang, has promised an appearance.
Bruce and her team posted fliers in elementary schools for the event and hope professors and visiting families will bring their children with them.
“We want to make (Open House) a family event,” she said.
To go with the Open House theme, “Cal Poly: Choice of Champions,” medallions will be given to the kids for coming.
In the event of rain, Nicole Stivers, the Open House director of public relations, said everything on Saturday – including the Kids’ Fair – will be cancelled. She believes such a scenario is unlikely.
“In 13 years, we’ve only had to cancel it once,” she said.
As for the Kids’ Fairs in years ahead, Bruce sees a bright future.
“Now that we have the contacts, hopefully people will be returning and will be interested in participating,” she said.
The event will kick off after the parade and opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in the University Union Plaza and will run until 4 p.m.