This Saturday’s Kaleidoscope Festival will include the Associated Students Inc. Fun Zone to entertain people of all ages.
Cal State Long Beach students on a budget can go, since the games and attractions are as low as 25 cents per ticket, according to the commissioner of special events, Francesca Murray.
Last year’s Kaleidocarnival, which featured games geared toward children, is very different this year. Renamed as the ASI Fun Zone, it includes games that also suit college students, Murray said.
At the ASI Fun Zone, there will be an inflatable obstacle course, a 25-foot double slide, a rock climbing wall, bungee run, hoop shot challenge and a dunk tank featuring participants including ASI Vice President-elect Omar Gonzalez and current ASI Treasurer Brian Troutner.
“Planned activities include nearly 200 displays, games, hands-on demonstrations, rides, food and retail booths sponsored by students, faculty, staff and community groups,” said Amalia Garcia, the coordinator for the Kaleidoscope Festival.
Many students and community members use the event as an opportunity to get involved on campus.
“Last year was the first time I went to Kaleidoscope and I was amazed with the involvement of the community and students,” said Christina Avila, a sophomore aerospace engineering major.
The festival has an objective to open CSULB to all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate the diversity of CSULB and what it has to offer, according to Garcia. Student organizations, club sports and multicultural entertainment will come together to show CSULB’s uniqueness, Garcia said.
“The goal is to feature modern activities that are challenging enough to stimulate older people’s interest, but also fun enough for children,” Murray said.
Many organizations will be participating in the festival, according to Garcia. Incoming freshmen will get a chance to be on CSULB’s campus and meet current students, faculty and staff from different departments and clubs, Murray said.
Besides the ASI Fun Zone, highlights include the traditional Alumni Pavilion, Anachronistic demonstrations, arts and crafts, the Athletic Sports Clinic and Sports Park, the Health and Safety Awareness Fair, the International Marketplace and live entertainment, according to Garcia.
There will be lots of food that will suit everyone’s tastes ranging from chicharrones to pastrami sandwiches to funnel cakes.
“There was such a wide variety of food offered last year,” Avila said. “The food I got to try was just wonderful and this year I plan on going on an empty stomach so I can get a taste of what everyone has to offer.”
Students can also buy Kaleidoscope logo shirts at the bookstore before Saturday, Garcia said.
“I am ready to go to this year’s festival and enjoy a day full of fun,” Avila said. “I hope to enjoy my day with my boyfriend, friends and family.”