 "Photo: Pedro Corona/Poly Post")
The scent of hot dogs filled the air as the 25th Annual Hot Dog Caper returned to University Park on Tuesday.
Thousands of students and faculty flocked to the Quad to participate in the annual fall event.
More than 500 students, faculty and staff volunteers helped ring in the new school year by handing out free hot dogs (beef and vegetarian), chips, soda and ice cream to those in attendance.
Volunteers lined the beverage and food tables decked out in their collectable T-shirts and served more than 14,000 hot dogs from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Bronco spirit was seen all around as green and yellow was displayed on T-shirts, cheerleaders, athletes and booths.
First-year psychology student America Hernandez, attended her first Hot Dog Caper, and said the food was the best part.
“I really liked the free food, especially the hot dogs,” said Hernandez. “I will come back next year for sure.”
The event kicked off with traffic reporter Commander Chuck Street from local radio station KIIS-FM arriving on campus in his Pepsi Max helicopter.
He interacted with the crowd by holding “Name that Tune” and baby food eating contests, which are becoming traditions at the caper.
A Disc Jockey spun records as students and staff relaxed on the grass, enjoying free food and wandering to each booth.
Associated Students, Inc. and the Campus Recreation Center hosted some of the many booths set up across the Quad.
ASI allowed event goers to spin a wheel for prizes, while Campus Recreation had a basketball hoop set up.
Those who could make a basket received a T-shirt prize. Orientation Services, Matt’s Run and Bronco Athletics had booths set up as well.
According to Cal Poly Foundation Marketing Development Manager Laura Orozco, the booths and everything else would not be possible without lots of help.
“Everything went extremely smooth this year,” said Orozco. “Thanks to an organized planning committee and team of enthusiastic volunteers.”
Orozco also stated that the Hot Dog Caper is the school’s way of welcoming back everyone to campus.
“This annual event, first held in 1984, is traditionally held the second week of classes in order to welcome everyone back to campus, while promoting Bronco Spirit,” said Orozco.
Cal Poly Pomona Foundation, Inc., ASI, Pepsi Bottling Group, North County Vending, Cal Poly, Facilities Planning and Management and Heinz and Hoffy sponsored the annual event.
Reach Melissa Fowler at: opinions@thepolypost.com
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