Though Palousafest was set to happen “rain or shine,” according the University of Idaho”s press release. This year the event had neither.
Instead, Palousafest went on through the smoke from relentless wildfires. Despite the smoky atmosphere, students filled Sixth Street checking out various clubs and organizations.
From Greek houses to faith-based charities, Palousafest had something for nearly everybody.
Kira Hunter | Argonaut
A line queues down the sidewalk outside the Recreational Center as people wait to ride in the hot air balloon during Palousafest on Saturday.
With Palousafest hosting 200 tables, fraternities and sororities, sports clubs, video game clubs and community organizations were among those with stands providing information or recruiting. Other stands handed out free desserts or refreshments, and many offered games or raffles.
Activities included a rock climbing wall, sumo wrestling with sumo suits, a mechanical bull, a bouncy castle and a hot air balloon. Following the street fair, Los Angeles-based indie folk rock band Branches played for an audience on the Theophilus Tower Lawn.
Some stands had a serious message to deliver. Hayden Hensley with Alternatives to Violence provided information about a 24-hour violence hotline to let students know of the resource”s existence.
While some were there to inform or recruit, Karl Lundgren, freshman business student, used his space at the event as an outlet to sell his own product – Brazilian neckties.
Greek houses were on hand as well, promoting their houses and looking for new recruits.
Students Larissa Netto and Anna Santos said that they just came to have fun, but soon found a favorite stand – Engineers Without Borders.
“We really enjoyed their stand,” Netto said. “They help you grow as a professional in engineering.”
UI student Avalon Robinson was looking for a women”s rugby group and found one.
“I haven”t played before and was nervous if there would be a place for a beginner like me,” she said. “But they offered to teach me and were super welcoming. It felt very good.”
Nishant Mohan can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @NishantRMohan