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More diversity in Fiesta?

Planners hope Cougarfest will draw more students this year

by Geronimo Rodriguez
Senior Staff Writer

In 1958, Life Magazine called Frontier Fiesta the "The Greatest College Show on Earth." Today, the event's officials are hoping to regain that status by dusting off the welcome mat and stressing that all students can leave feeling they, too, can partake in the annual UH tradition.

Frontier Fiesta Chairman David Dalton and Council of Ethnic Organizations Director Deepak Doshi agree that Cougarfest, a new event within the event, is a change for the better ? but for different reasons.

"I personally don't believe in the event they've had in the past. I think that Frontier Fiesta was too exclusive in years past, and believe it needed to get some ethnic participation," Doshi, who has been CEO director since May 2003, said. "Some people don't go because of the negative connotations, and I really want to get the UH community involved before we think about reaching out to the rest of the community."

Dalton said Cougarfest adds another facet to the event. "I think those who may not have wanted to give Fiesta a chance might change their minds this year," he said.

Doshi and Dalton said the new addition has made the event more appealing. Dalton, who has served as Frontier Fiesta chairman for two consecutive years, said an estimated 15,000 people attended last year's event, adding that he wants to attract 20,000 to 22,000 Fiestagoers this year.

"That's a reasonable goal, considering we're offering more activities, and CEO is getting involved," Dalton said.

Cougarfest features include a Ferris wheel, laser tag area, Sumo wrestling, inflatable rock climb, gladiator joust and big-glove boxing, Doshi said.

Doshi said about eight student organizations that have not participated in Frontier Fiesta in the past, including the Nigerian Students Association, will do so this year because of Cougarfest.

Doshi said most organizations strayed from the annual UH event because of the "strong negative connotations" that stem from the event's name.

"If the name doesn't change, it's going to be an issue forever. I think it's a big drawback, and changing it would be more beneficial," he said. 

Dalton said the name change will continue to be an issue until Fiesta officials find enough evidence to support the idea that a change would be beneficial.

"I think what Deepak is doing is finding that middle ground," Dalton said.

Although it might not happen soon, Doshi said he'll push to get the name changed to Cougarfest.

"I might as well try," he said.

Fiesta opens its three-day run Thursday evening on the Scott Street side of the Robertson Stadium parking area.
 

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