After a one-year absence, the University of Houston-Victoria spring carnival is returning with a different focus and a broader audience.

Ten UHV student organizations have joined forces to put on a carnival from 1-5 p.m. April 11 at Pyramid Row between the UHV University Center and University West buildings. The event is free and open to the public, and will feature food, games and activities.

Bola Adebayo

Each student organization will have a booth. Representatives from the organizations will have a chance to share information about their groups and promote upcoming events. Attendees will be able to play musical chairs, compete in potato sack races, play on inflatables and get their pictures taken in a photo booth.

“The carnival is bringing student organizations together to achieve a common goal in marketing their organizations and allowing community members to see what UHV has to offer,” said Bola Adebayo, UHV Student Government Association president.“It’s a great way for the organizations to advertise themselves in a fun setting.”

UHV Student Life & Services held spring carnivals from 2011 to 2013 as a student activity. SMILE, a UHV student organization standing for Spreading Motivation In Lives Everywhere, brought up the idea of bringing the carnival back.

“A number of students missed having the carnival, so we thought it would be great to bring it back but have student organizations run it as a way to get their names and identities out there,” Adebayo said.

There also will be various food options at the carnival. Students with a meal plan can get their lunch from Jaguar Hall Dining on site at the carnival. Faculty and staff members, and the public can purchase a meal from Jaguar Hall Dining or food truck vendors.

Ahmet Aksoy

Ahmet Aksoy, UHV Student Life & Services coordinator, said he’s pleased the students expanded the carnival’s audience to include all UHV students, employees and local residents.

“It’s great to see students come together to organize an event that will help bring greater awareness to these organizations,” he said. “It’s also nice to see the leaders of our organizations give back by planning an event that can be enjoyed by their fellow students and the Victoria community.”

Adebayo said she hopes student organizations will continue to expand their memberships.

“Getting involved is an important part of the college experience,” Adebayo said. “A lot of students who start student organizations or participate in them become heavily invested and involved with the university. They take more pride in the school and want to see it grow and prosper. A good example is the carnival itself. By taking this initiative, it shows that our students are driven and care about UHV.”