As the crackling of burning wood invited students to gather around the fire for warmth, Texas A&M University Kingsville (TAMUK) began the festivities for the first ever Javelina Fest on Jan. 20 at the Rec Sports intramural fields.
Student Engagement & Campus Life hosted this event to begin the Spring semester with the intention of getting students ready for a new year and making sure students felt welcomed back to campus.
“We wanted to create the same vibe as the Homecoming Block Party. We also worked with the Kingsville Fire Department and the Naval Base here in Kingsville to bring back the firework show for the first time since 2018, to get students excited for their first Friday back,” Julianne Gomez, First Year and Family Engagement coordinator, said.
As the night went on students began to drift towards the smells of fresh brisket from AAA BBQ, El Columbiano street tacos and hot chocolate from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck.
Kassy Andrade, TAMUK junior, explained why she feels it is important the university host more events like Javelina fest.
“Students get to come out and socialize with each other. We get to make new memories in our college careers, and we get more out of our shell by being here,” Andrade said.
Students were encouraged to come out, enjoy themselves and make new friends as they gathered to stay warm or danced to the live music played by local band, South 77.
“A lot of people come here to meet new people, especially people from other parts of the country or even the world,” Audrey Ibrahim-Martinez, TAMUK freshman, said. “I want to see more events like this on campus, more block parties. I love meeting new people and getting to chat with neighbors.”
As the festivities stopped and students enjoyed s’mores by the fire, the sky over TAMUK was lit by an array of colors from the grand firework show to symbolize the celebration of the new year.
