By Alejandrina Avila, Oct, 22, 2024
Cal Poly Pomona’s annual Hot Dog Caper, one of the university’s most popular and admired traditions, held its 41st celebration Oct. 10.
This year, around 11,000 to 15,000 hot dogs, including vegetarian and halal hot dogs, were handed out. Activities such as throwback music, balloon animals, airbrush face painting and a 360-degree photo booth were also available at the event, and the event was completely free for anyone in the CPP community to attend.
The event was hosted by Cal Poly Pomona Enterprises — formerly known as The Cal Poly Pomona Foundation Inc. — and its various partners such as Pepsi, Hoffy, First Class Vending, Foothill Transit, Warby Parker, Giuliano’s Bakery, Bronco Athletics, Associated Students Inc., and Facilities Planning and Management.
The Hot Dog Caper is CPP’s way of giving back to a community that includes students, faculty, and staff. The event occurred during U-Hour (12-1 p.m.) at Bronco Commons, which is in front of the BRIC, and it provided free food, drinks, frozen treats, and fun.
“It fills up the campus a lot, it’s super lively when it comes around,” said Aaryn Hong, a mechanical engineering student.
What began in 1983 as a modest welcome-back event for the university community, eventually grew into one of the highlights of each fall semester. This event has grown over time to help create bonds between students, staff and the CPP community.
This year’s theme, Y2K, that stands for “the year 2000,” won the most students’ votes in a poll posted on ASI’s Instagram page.
“I think it’s a throwback for a lot of college students that are now college age, and they were kids back then, so it is kind of a throwback theme already,” said Isabel Carrero, a marketing communications coordinator for CPPE.
Sebastian Lozano, a business and finance student, said the Hot Dog Caper had an enjoyable atmosphere because of “the music and the kind volunteers that have made this event possible.”
Around 300 volunteers were working to make the event run as smoothly as possible. Alyssa Martinez, a volunteer, said she found out about the event through a newsletter that informs her about upcoming events.
“I am all about community engagement,” said Martinez. “Anything that brings people together is always good.”
According to Carrero, the next Hot Dog Caper is already being planned. Although a date has not been confirmed yet, future updates will be available on the event’s website and CPP Dining Services’ Instagram page.
Feature image courtesy of Bryan Doan
