NSU’s 11th annual CommunityFest — a free event aimed at bringing the NSU community closer together, while also connecting participants with businesses and residents of the local area — will be held on Feb. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Gold Circle Lake.
Approximately 75 student organizations and 25 academic departments and colleges will set up booths around the lake and host interactive activities to engage participants. Attractions will include an inflatable shark slide, a bounce house, a dunk tank and a petting zoo.
The Athletics Department will also host activities to promote their upcoming basketball games and approximately 20 food vendors will offer free food throughout the day. This year’s entertainment will include performances by the Sharkettes, NSU’s official dance team, and the Riff Tides, a student a capella group.
Christina Rajkumar, assistant director of special events and projects in the Office of Student Activities, is overseeing this year’s CommunityFest. She said that the event is unique because it’s one of the only events that connect the NSU community with the public.
“The highlight of the event is the partnership between campuses that NSU gains through bringing both the internal [NSU] and external [non-NSU] community together,” Rajkumar said.
Ileana Sanchez, senior psychology major and a member of the food vendor committee for CommunityFest, said that students should attend because they will get to see the variety of clubs and organizations on campus.
“The best part of CommunityFest is the chance our NSU Community gets to connect with the surrounding community,” she said. “It is a great way for [students] to see what our NSU student organizations do, as well as what the surrounding community has to offer.”
Jaylin Webster, sophomore biology major, is eager to see what changes CommunityFest will bring this year.
“Every year is so different. I never know what to expect. I know for a fact though, it will be such a great time,” Webster said.
The event was started in 2003 by Director of Student Media Michelle Manley, who was a student at the time, to connect NSU with the community. With an average of 4,500 participants each year, it has become one of the most popular campus traditions.
Many students, faculty and staff also bring their families, including children, which Aarabhi Rajagopal, sophomore biology major, said is her favorite aspect of the event.
“Being able to see all the little kids run around and witness the fun they are having is absolutely wonderful,” she said.
Francesca Verret, freshman secondary education major, is especially looking foward to trying different foods.
“I can’t wait to taste all the delicious free food. I know I will not be eating breakfast that morning,” said Verret.
There’s no need to RSVP for CommunityFest but for more information, email communityfest@nova.edu or visit nova.edu/communityfest.
