UTEPIA: food, fun and fashion

Live music, a fashion show and giveaways are just a few of the many activities during UTEPIA, an event set to kick off spring break for students. 

The UTEPIA festival will be on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free.
The previously called Miner Fest began some 10 years ago by the Campus Activities Board. The event originated as a spring version of Minerpalooza, and for the second year, it is now called UTEPIA.

"UTEPIA is an event that includes a lot of student activities featuring our biggest events such as a fashion show and a battle of the bands," said Sam Rodriguez, public relations chair for UTEPIA and organizational and corporate communication major.

All student organizations are encouraged to go for recruitment or any volunteer work. Students can relax, have a good time and it will also give student organizations a chance to represent themselves and show their commitment.

"I've never heard or been to this event," Andrea Miller, sophomore pre-nursing major said. "It sounds like fun, but I know I'm going to be busy with classes so I don't think I will have time to go."
This year, the UTEPIA committee members chose a high glam fashion theme to entertain students.

"UTEPIA is open to all students where it will have a lot of different activities such as free food, contests, inflatables," Rodriguez said. "We also do a safe spring break initiative to warn students about being safe during their vacations and it is also an excuse to have fun."
 

Activities for UTEPIA include a fashion show with UTEP Greeks as models, live music from DJ Pookie, a battle of the bands showcasing six local bands, an obstacle course, karaoke, gift give-a-ways, novelties, a "Rock Band" station, mask decoration, free food and more.
 

"Whoever wins the battle of the bands will win $300 and a local record company will have them do a three song demo," said Jesus Perez, UTEPIA coordinator and senior media advertising major.

Perez said the purpose of the event is to teach students to have a good time by doing so in a safe, fun and responsible manner.

"Our purpose is to teach students they can have a good time without having alcohol involved," Perez said. "We want to increase student awareness that to have fun, they don't need to drink and so therefore when they go on their spring break, hopefully they'll remember that and not get themselves into trouble."

Cynthia Tagle, sophomore education major, participated in last year's event and said students should take advantage and attend this year.

"I went to the one last year and I had a lot of fun, I'd go between classes or even on my breaks," Tagle said. "It's not much of a distraction because it's outside and everyone invites you to participate in the events."

The committee expects to have 5,000 students including faculty and staff attend. The event will be located at Memorial Triangle.

For more information, visit the CAB office located in Room 111 of Union Building West or call 747-5670.

Beatriz A. Castañeda may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

SEE YOU THERE

what: utepia
when: march 9, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
where: memorial triangle

Events:
• Battle of the Bands: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
• Lady Gaga Fashion Show: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
• Involvement Fair: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

giveaways and activities include:
• sunglasses
• Popcorn
• Personalized dog tags
• Pizza
• Inflatables
• Contests
• Karaoke
• Video games
• Masks