Lillian Barocio
Staff Writer
In honor of Homecoming weekend, the University hosted its annual Homecoming street fair on Oct. 12.
The fair featured a variety of booths from students, alumni organizations and local businesses. During the festivities, there was also a 5k run for those willing to participate.
“I want to design things that I would wear and bring diversity to products that offer something unique,” Isaak Serrano, a University of La Verne alumnus and current small business owner of Kaasi, said.
With his degree in computer science and computer engineering Serrano designs 3D art such as pots, earrings, candle and controller holders as well as watering cans. All sold at affordable prices ranging from $8 to $25.
As for fare, the fair offered barbecue provided by alumni-owned So Cal BBQ & Catering. With the option of outdoor table seating, many enjoyed their meal on the grass picnic style as they ate while catching up with old friends and classmates.
There was also a kids’ carnival, where the youngest community members got to enjoy a photo booth, face painters, balloon artist, carnival treats and crafts led by La Verne’s child development program students.
The carnival also featured a petting zoo including a pig, a rabbit, a duck, a pony, sheep, chickens, a cow and a few goats.
At the Ludwick Center, a celebration corner allowed guests to mark their special milestones, such as a new job, a birthday or the joy of Homecoming. They got to strike a pose in a 360 photo booth and pick up a commemorative pin that indicated what they were celebrating.
The Ludwick Center lawn featured Magic Makers Mart Pop-Up, a vibrant mix of small businesses and local artists.
“I’ve always been into tea and holistic health,” said Samantha Ybarra, owner of Eve’s Enchanted Elixirs, based in Los Angeles, who was on hand at the event. “So once I started creating my own tea blends I combined the two to create accessible wellness products for people to help promote (affordable) natural alternatives and mind, body wellness.
The admissions office led a campus walking tour.
And the Leopard Royalty Reveal took place at around 1 p.m. on the steps of Founders Hall as they crowned this year’s honorees. Shortly after, the student and department Homecoming float parade took place on Third Street, where the crowd gathered to watch Hollywood themed floats.
“It’s been awesome seeing a small town like La Verne have such an active presence with everyone coming together,” said Kunal Naik, La Verne graduate and lawyer, who attended the fair.
Lillian Barocio can be reached at lillian.barocio@laverne.edu.
Lillian Barocio is a sophomore journalism major and a staff writer for the Campus Times.
Vicente Rodriguez is a senior photography major with a marketing minor and a staff photographer for the Campus Times. He has previously served as photography editor of the Campus Times and a staff photographer for La Verne Magazine.
