Written By : Faren Rajkumar & Camila Alfonso
NSU’s 10th annual CommunityFest, a carnival-like festival aimed at linking NSU students with community members and raising school spirit, will take place on Feb. 9 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gold Circle Lake on NSU’s main campus.
Every year, various student organizations, NSU departments, food vendors, and community businesses set up booths to host giveaways and other activities. Free food, live entertainment, a bounce house, a “Shark Slide”, an obstacle course and paddle boats will also be included.
An average of 4500 people participate each year, including attendees and volunteers, and Project Serve points will be given to all student organization members who volunteer.
Francis Ortiz, graduate assistant for Special Projects in the Office of Student Activities, said, “CommunityFest has definitely grown within the past 10 years. Each year that passes, we have increased the number of student organizations, departments, restaurants and sponsorships.”
According to Ortiz, at least 70 student organizations, 16 departments and colleges, 11 sponsors, and 12 food vendors will attend this year’s CommunityFest.
“These numbers are actually growing daily. This year, we have actually decided to expand the event to the other side of the lake due to the high volume of booths and foot traffic,” Ortiz said.
CommunityFest was created in 2004 by Michelle Manley, assistant director of Student Media, during her involvement with NSU’s Student Government Association. During the festival, clubs and organizations have the opportunity to speak to students, recruit members and gain publicity for their events and causes.
Shannon Alrdrige, sophomore and NSU Nature Club president is looking forward to this year’s event and its expected high turnout. Her club’s booth will feature a recycling game, aimed at encouraging participants to consider their own recycling habits.
“We were successful with our booth last year and want to continue that success this year,” said Aldridge.
NSU’s CommunityFest is a free event, open the NSU community and their family and friends. Discounted transportation will be available to main campus from Student Educational Centers, and for alumni in Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Ft. Myers, West Palm Beach and Miami. For more information, visit nova. edu/safspecialevents/communityfest or call the Office of Special Events and Projects at 954-262-7283.
