Viking Fest sails on as a solo opportunity this year for students to raise funds for all academic endeavors. This year’s event will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Windward Campus.
In the first year it began, Viking Fest paired up with the Registered Student Organization Fall Carnival as only one singular event for students to attend to support Del Mar College student programs. But in this second year, DMC is attempting something different, by breaking up both the Fall Carnival and Viking Vest as different events to create more opportunities for students to showcase themselves and also raise more funds. Previously, the only big opportunity for clubs to raise funds was the one combined event. Executive Director of Marketing/Events Jason B. Houlihan stated they felt as a college it was important to give student organizations more opportunities to raise funds, as some use that money to pay for exams expenses such as in the nursing program.
The 4th annual Día De Los Muertos Welding Competition will also take place during Viking Fest. The competition attracts students from high schools around the area with welding training, as well as other vocational colleges and allows the community to see them at work in their chosen field, much as one would watch a sports event. Participants need to sign up in advance by Nov. 1 to compete. The fee for the application process is given back in scholarships and welding equipment to the winners. More information and details on how to sign up are available at https://events.delmar.edu/.
Upgrades to this year’s entertainment include a stage for country singer Kat Hasty, the main live music act scheduled to play all day. Del Mar talent will also perform.
Clubs and programs will offer games, activities and food items via tickets, but food trucks will also be there offering food for purchase such as Taste of Pinoy, Wednesdays Coffee and more. Admission is free, with tickets in $1 increments available to use at booths.
Viking Fest is a chance to learn about and support some lesser-known studies that DMC offers such as the Diesel/Heavy Equipment program, Building Trades program, and Aviation program, all which power groups such as the Corpus Christi Army Depot and the Corpus Christi International Airport. Onsite tours of other programs will also be available during Viking Fest at the Coleman Center, with help available on the best way to apply for anything DMC offers.
“It’s a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Houlihan. “Because they help make the event better, and…it’s exciting to have people on our campus, because we want the community on our campuses. I mean, all this stuff belongs to them too… [they’re] able to see what Del Mar College is building, how Del Mar College can be a part of their life or their educational future.”
