It’s a bounce house bonanza. It’s a foodie fair. It’s a craft and game festival. It’s a fundraiser for Yavapai College student emergency funds. It’s Yavapalooza and everyone is invited!
Yavapalooza, YC’s annual spring carnival, is happening from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 11, on the Prescott Campus, and promises an evening of affordable, carefree entertainment for all ages. The event is spearheaded by Roughrider Student Ambassadors, is supported by generous community sponsors, and delivered by faculty, staff and student volunteers.
“Have fun with friends and family. De-stress. Come for the food,” is how Roughrider Ambassador Nic Clower sized up the reasons everyone should carve out time for Yavapalooza this year.
The carnival drew hundreds of fun-seekers last spring and is expected to host even more community residents this year thanks to more food trucks and an expanded entertainment lineup featuring a deejay and rap artist, said Mary Rizk, YC student engagement and leadership specialist.
The food truck variety counts coffee, hotdogs, burgers, tacos, ice cream, cheesecakes, cotton candy and shaved ice.
Returning Yavapalooza favorites include a balloon artist, face painter, first-responder vehicles to explore, plus dozens of games, crafts and experiences like a remote-controlled vehicle obstacle course, Rizk said.
Perhaps the best thing about Yavapalooza, Rizk and Clower said, is that it is budget friendly. Admission is just $2 for adults and free for everyone 18 and under. Although proceeds benefit YC student emergency funds, Rizk said the primary goal of Yavapalooza is bringing the community together.
“We are a community college. We want to give back to our community,” Rizk said.
Principal sponsors of Yavapalooza this year are: Pioneer Title Agency, Pinnacle Bank, Yavapai Boys and Girls Club, Lessons by Lexe: Dance Studio, Dynamic Sounds & Tint, Baha'i Faith of Prescott, and Sprouts.
For all the details about Yavapalooza, visit yc.edu/yavapalooza.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu