by Al Greenwood
Senior Staff Writer
Despite claims of racism, Frontier Fiesta broke new attendance records for its opening days.
On Thursday, 4,000 people attended, said Doug Miller, a University of Houston campus activities advisor. On Friday, Miller said 17,000 showed up. "All the comments have just been fabulous."
Frontier Fiesta Chairman Ryan Wolverton estimated 23,000 attended last year. He estimated that 11,000 showed up last year on Thursday, 7,900 Friday and 5,000 Saturday.
Wolverton said the UH Police Department calculated the attendance numbers.
Since the University of Houston brought Frontier Fiesta back in 1992, some student groups claim the event promotes racism and celebrates the genocide of native peoples.
"There ain't no goddamn controversy. This is a barbecue," said Randolph Wilkin, UH manager of chemistry facilities and the glass shop. "There is no reason for those people to stir up this type of bull****."
On Friday and Saturday, many booths featured family and friends cooking barbecue and drinking beer. Others featured shows organized by student organizations and colleges.
On Friday, country star Jerry Jeff Walker performed.
Although Frontier Fiesta had Kenny Rogers in 1992, Walker was one of the biggest names the event has ever had, Wolverton said. "Jerry Jeff Walker probably pulled in the most people."
Several minority attendees were unaware of any controversy surrounding Frontier Fiesta.
Dannette Cole, a Barron's Restaurant chef, said she was unaware of any racism or controversy. "I wouldn't have brought the kids if I thought that," Cole said. She added her children liked riding the mechanical bull and watching participants cook in the numerous barbecue pits and grills.
"I liked everybody getting together, meeting new people, making friends," said Kaylynn Cole, Danette's daughter.
"We've been here for five years, and we'll be back next year," said Mark Cardenas, who works for UH Postal Services. "I'm just here to have fun. You don't have to join if you don't want to."
"It's just a bunch of people having fun," said Kenneth Williams, an alumnus and academic coordinator for Learning Support Services.
"For the people who are upset with the situation in this country, I challenge them to get involved in the literacy programs, teach a kid how to read."
"I think it's a waste of time," said James Hines, a senior history major. "If these people want to find racism, they will."
Instead of honoring genocide and racism, Hines said, "What we're trying to do is entertain the alumni and potential UH students. UH's most pressing problem is its social life."
In fact, "Frontier Fiesta is the only time when students get together and make this a university. The only thing this is about is having fun and seeing friends," Hines added. "These are some of the nicest people in the world."
Miller said the debate only comes from about 20 to 25 people conducting an elaborate letter-writing campaign. "There were 500 Hispanic and Latino students who thought they could contribute. They came on board, and they were wonderful."