Aliens and creatures from a faraway galaxy invaded Cal Poly Pomona’s campus at the 36th annual Hot Dog Caper on Thursday, Oct. 3.
The Hot Dog Caper is a tradition the Cal Poly Pomona Foundation hosts to welcome all returning and new students to the new school year. This is the CPP Foundation’s way of giving back to the campus community.
What is every college student’s favorite word? FREE. With that being said, there was an enormous turnout at the Hot Dog Caper from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(Elizabeth Aquino | The Poly Post)
Before entering the university quad, one could already hear the lively music of the band jamming out. Tents bordered around the quad with multiple vendors.
Students, faculty and staff waited in lines at each booth to receive free hot dogs, refreshments, prizes and photo booth pictures. They also offered veggie hot dogs for students with dietary restrictions.
Grubhub, the athletic department and the Office of Student Affairs were present at the event. Innovation Brew Works served root beer and orange soda. First Class Vending gave out free chips and popsicles to all the attendees.
“Star Wars” characters, green aliens and living statues roamed the campus, which made for the perfect picture opportunity for students. Students were offered airbrush tattoos, balloon animals and a chance to slide down the jumper.
“I love the atmosphere of the event. I never get to see this many students in the university quad, and it reminds me that there is a big community on this campus,” said Gregory Gonzales, Hot Dog Caper volunteer.
This event invites students to feel a part of the community and gain a closer relationship with the student body and staff.
“This is our only spirit event. We really try to make the Hot Dog Caper an inclusive event that a majority of the student body would come out to,” said Courtnee Owens, Cal Poly Pomona Foundation marketing assistant.
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation partnered with Associated Students Inc. (ASI), Facilities Planning Management, Bronco Athletics, Hoffy, Pepsi and First Class Vending to make this successful event possible.
“All those vendors that donated, volunteers giving their time, all the marketing team’s planning to give back to the community … made this a successful event, ” said Aaron Neilson, Dining Services director.
This event is planned at the end of July and tediously prepared up until the beginning of October. Every year the CPP Foundation strives to bring something new to the event and this year the foundation wanted to focus on the atmosphere and entertainment of the event.
What will next year’s Hot Dog Caper theme be?