By Josh LaBella
Voice Reporter
The fifth annual WestFest this weekend aims to bring the University of New Haven community and the citizens in the city they live in closer together.
The event, sponsored by the University of New Haven Mayor’s Advisory Commission, is on Saturday Sept. 7 from 11am to 5pm with a Sept. 8 rain date. Admission is free and proceeds from WestFest benefit WHEAT, the West Haven Emergency Assistance Taskforce.
A press release from the commission said, “In addition to over 40 University of New Haven clubs, offices, and organizations, WestFest will feature a wide variety of local West Haven businesses, food trucks, organizations, and artists. Food trucks participating include Casa Bianca Pizza, Ted’s Steamed Burgers, 744 Express, Rita’s Italian Ice, among others.”
The festival will also have live music and dance provided by groups such as Him and Her, the Cobalt Rhythm Kings and Top Hat Dance Academy. There will also be games and competitions such as a dunk tank with city treasurer Michael Last and the University of New Haven’s USGA Executive Board in the wet seat as well as the annual pie eating competition.
Carolyn Meyer, Assistant to the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at UNH, said the event celebrates the relationship the city has with the university. She said WestFest was just one event the university sponsors in the city.
“So, we do try to partner with West Haven for as any fun activities as we can,” said Meyer. “We are a part of the community so we do try to do community events and give assistance where we can.”
Meyer said the university tries to be involved with as many things in West Haven as they can. She said in previous WestFests hundreds of students come to partake in the festivities.
“It’s a good time,” said Meyer, “and it lets our students know that even if they aren’t from Connecticut or West Haven but if you’re a student here this is your community. We hope to continue to send those messages forward.