GILROY
– Between taiko drumming, a current events debate and nature
hikes, there will be something for everyone at Gavilan College this
weekend.
GILROY – Between taiko drumming, a current events debate and nature hikes, there will be something for everyone at Gavilan College this weekend.
The college is combining all of its spring events into one all-inclusive celebration, called GavFEST, in order to introduce visitors to all aspects of the college campus and community.
“It’s a way to thank the community for their support of Measure E, and to invite those who haven’t visited the campus to explore all that Gavilan College has to offer,” Gavilan President Steve Kinsella said.
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., interactive events and presentations will be offered in four quadrants of the campus.
•Music and the arts, where visitors can watch performances by groups like Baile Folklorico and participate in line dancing or meditation and mural creation workshops.
•Children’s activities, from story time to a multi-sensory maze.
•Athletics and sciences, featuring boot camps and free blood pressure screening.
•Career and academic programs, where visitors may receive free hairstyling and nail demonstrations.
Other programs and services, such as the Small Business Development Center and Health Services, will host an open house in the student center. Music groups will perform throughout the day.
Admission and parking are free.
The college is already looking toward making GavFEST an annual event to draw folks to the campus while streamlining maintenance and promotional costs.
“The idea seemed to grow organically as we looked for a way to combine spring events, both as a cost-saving measure, and a way to create synergy among different events and departments,” said Jan Bernstein Chargin, Gavilan’s public information officer. “We realized that instead of splitting our audience and competing for attendance, sponsors and volunteers, we could work together to provide a truly unique experience.”
GavFEST will be preceded Friday night by the return of Bach to Blues, a concert featuring performances from local musicians, including Gavilan faculty. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets to the event cost $12 and all proceeds will benefit Gavilan College’s music department.
For more information about GavFEST, call 848-4724 or www.gavilan.edu/pio/gavfest.html.
To order tickets for Bach to Blues, call the Gavilan College box office at
846-4973.
