Though many student and alumni organizations are involved in Frontier Fiesta, few associate anyone except Greeks with the festival.
Once called the ‘greatest college show on earth’ by Life Magazine, Frontier Fiesta has developed the unfortunate reputation of being an event hosted exclusively by and for students involved in Greek life.
The annual event features a variety of activities ranging from musical performances and carnival rides to booths. Although, most booths are run by non-Greek organizations – the Cougar Casino, for example, is hosted jointly by the University Center Associated Facility and Residential Life and Housing Association – Frontier Fiesta is touted primarily as a display of variety shows, all of which are produced by Greek organizations.
While they are intended for everyone’s enjoyment, the variety shows often seem like private parties that exclude the very students the shows are meant to entertain.
The directors of Frontier Fiesta need to work at being more welcoming and inclusive of the entire student body.’ Frontier Fiesta is funded by student fees and needs to be welcoming to all students, not just Greeks. Concentrating the majority of Frontier Fiesta’s entertainment on the Greeks ostracizes the rest of campus.’
The Daily Cougar is not calling for the end of Frontier Fiesta. The event contributes to the rich tradition of the University and is something many students look forward to each year.
The directors of Frontier Fiesta need to be aware of the exclusivity they are creating by heavily promoting Greek organizations in the campuswide event. By encouraging the participation of non-Greek students, Frontier Fiesta can increase support for the event from the entire student body.
