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Previous Programs : Cardiology Fiesta 2008 - Cardiology Fiesta - San... cardiologyfiesta.org |
Frontier Fiesta is a three day event at the University of Houston that takes place on campus every spring semester, usually in the last weekend of March to the first weekend in April. At this event student groups perform variety shows, host carnival booths and put on multicultural performances, cookers participate in a large cook-off competition, and the night offers free concerts by big name performers. Money raised from Frontier Fiesta goes to 10 scholarships offered to incoming freshmen.
[edit] HistoryIn 1940 a group of students started a tradition known as Frontier Fiesta. This annual event had variety shows performed by students and concerts and was intended to bring together University of Houston students and the Houston community. The tradition grew tremendously over the next few years and became hugely popular. Hollywood stars such as Humphrey Bogart, James Garner, Anne Baxter, Kenny Rogers, and Patsy Swayze were attracted to the annual event and LIFE magazine dubbed it, "The Greatest College Show on Earth". The annual tradition became too large and involved as the event was having a considerable impact academically for the students involved. Due to this, Frontier Fiesta was discontinued in 1959. In 1992, a group of students worked to bring back the tradition of Frontier Fiesta, and to this day it is again an annual tradition at the University of Houston. [edit] Variety ShowsOne of the main features of Frontier Fiesta are the variety shows. These shows, hosted by student groups, are 30 minute long shows that include singing and dancing. These shows are judged in an individual competition as groups compete for the coveted Joe Koppel Award (named for the second chairman of Frontier Fiesta in 1941), which is awarded to the best overall show. In addition to the show itself, the student groups construct elaborate "fronts" which act as an entrance to their tent for the performance. The fronts line the main midway of Frontier Fiesta, effectively becoming "Fiesta City". They are usually are constructed in a theme to match that of the show. For example, an Old West jailhouse may be the front for a show that centers around a jailbreak. Frontier Fiesta was originally Western themed and most of the fronts and shows were done in an Old West style (country music and dancing were the norm). As the years have gone by and as the student groups participating in the event have become more diverse, Frontier Fiesta has deviated from its Old West heritage and become more current. [edit] CookoffAfter shows, student groups, alumni groups and other cookoff teams host various cook-off sites, where their patrons can enjoy the remainder of the evening eating, drinking and listening to music at their tent. These sites are usually privately run and an invitation or an entry fee will need to be collected to participate. Individual schools also host cookoff sites for students and alumni, such as the Bauer College of Business and the Architecture School. Frontier Fiesta boasts a "world class cookoff" where several cookoff teams compete in five food categories: Chicken, Ribs, Brisket, Beans and Fajitas. Also, a baking contest is held where cookies and other deserts can compete for awards. A cash prize is awareded for winners in the brisket category. [edit] ConcertsAfter the revival of Frontier Fiesta in 1992, free concerts were added to cap off each night at Frontier Fiesta. Popular entertainers such as Jerry Jeff Walker, Doug Supernaw, Robert Earl Keen, Cory Morrow and Roger Creager have been known to grace the stage. Each year the Fiesta Committee is given a significant budget and asked to bring in talent that will be widely accepted and well liked. In past years, Tejano bands such as Los Palominos, hip-hop entertainers such as T.I. and some lesser known bands and have been a part of the Fiesta tradition. [edit] Other EventsIn addition to the main events, Frontier Fiesta is a place where students, alumni and community members can come and enjoy carnival rides, carnival games (some hosted by student groups), a silent auction and exhibits. Saturday afternoons usually have a "family day" scheduled where parents can bring their childre for special events, demonstrations and a petting zoo. [edit] ScholarshipsThe main focus of Frontier Fiesta is to raise money for scholarships. The Frontier Fiesta Association awards ten scholarships to incoming freshmen based on academics and community service. As of 2008, Frontier Fiesta has awarded over $70,000 in scholarships. In 2008 alone, Frontier Fiesta granted $10,000 to UH students! [edit] Past Fiesta Chairmen
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