Minerpalooza celebrates 22 years

           Celebrating 22 years since its initiation, Minerpalooza has become the event of the year many look forward to. Being nominated once more for, “Best You Can’t Miss it Annual Event” by What’s Up readers, this family oriented event welcomes students to the new academic year, and serves as the first pep-rally, providing a series of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.

            “We are hoping that with the implementations made to this year’s Minerpalooza, the attendance matches or even surpasses last year’s attendance of about 30,000 people,” said Chris Lechuga, public affairs specialist.

            The expansion of the events was just one of many additions made to the event. Others included the implementations of more lights, a beverage garden, Pete’s Pavilion and two live entertainment stages with local headline bands. The orange stage located right in the intersection of University Ave. and Hawthorne St., and the blue stage located right in front of the Undergraduate Graduate Learning Center.

            Art Glori, vice president for Public & Student Relations and UTEP Alumni  said that the implementations were a great factor that had a success among student organizations.

            “The expansion was a big plus for this year’s Minerpalooza, it provided organizations and clubs with more space and lighting,” Gloria said. “I’m also very excited, since Minerpalooza will be one of the UTEP events that will be inside the 2014 Centennial Circle.”

            Gloria isn’t the only expressing his excitement towards UTEP’s 100th year anniversary, junior music major Denisse Mendoza also said that she can’t wait for 2014.

            “With the current construction going on inside of UTEP, it’s impossible not to be excited for the Centennial,” Mendoza said. “They have already started on the Bhutan Temple that will be located in the Geology Triangle.”

            Apart from students’ excitement towards 2014, the miner pride was also present when the Miner Marching Band made its entrance along with the Goldiggers and the Cheer Squad.

The Pep rally followed by a welcoming speech, a motivational speech by Football head coach Mike Price and lastly a wrap up by host Monica Castillo from Power 102.

            “It’s always great to start the beginning of the year with a motivational pep-rally,” Mendoza said. “Everyone is excited for the Football season to start and to continue with the spirit and pride during the semester.”

            Festivities continued with featured musical guests such as Acid Pie, Sound on Sound, Emily Davis & the Altar Boys, Contagious Headache, Sha’vonee & The Vibe, Sublevels and a DJ Spinoff featuring DJ Smooth & DJ Marke-E Mix.

            Students were also able to purchase food at the food booths located at Kervey Ave.

            “There was a lot of food variety for every student to try,” said Luis Garcia, senior business major.. “Dealing from hot dogs and hamburgers to corn in the cub, papas locas and funnel cake.”

            According to Student Development Center intern, Veronna Corral, more than 45 organizations participated at Minerpalooza, since this is one of the largest fundraisers of the year.  Activities included inflatable obstacle courses, a kids zone, a dunk tank booth and taking pictures with Pete’s mustache. All games invited people ranging from all kinds of ages to participate.

            “Minerpalooza is a great event that brings the UTEP community together,” said Aaron Arellano, senior psychology major. “Inviting students, faculty, staff, parents and toddlers to have fun in a safe and family oriented event.”

Andrea E Acosta may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.