It’s a spring carnival. It’s a community gathering. It’s a fundraiser for Yavapai College students at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It’s Yavapalooza and everyone is invited!
Yavapalooza is happening from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, on the Yavapai College Prescott Campus, and promises all the music, hijinks, food and gaiety of an old-fashioned, springtime community gathering. The carnival and fundraiser for iShelter+ is spearheaded by Yavapai College Roughrider Student Ambassadors and supported by generous community sponsors while bringing the entire college community together as event hosts.
iShelter+ is a college project that endeavors to guarantee that all Yavapai College students have access to stable and secure housing while they are attending YC, said YC Student Engagement and Leadership Specialist Mary Rizk. The project was selected as a recipient of Yavapalooza proceeds because it is a newly established YC student resource resulting from research that found 20 percent of YC students are homeless and 60 percent struggle with basic needs like food and healthcare. “IShelter+ uses an AI-generated early-alert system paired with an app to identify struggling students and connect them to an advocate who provides personal assistance,” Rizk said.
Yavapalooza was a spring tradition at YC for many years until 2020 when it was shelved because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are thrilled to be bringing Yavapalooza back this year and all of us at YC look forward to making memories and raising money for an important cause with the help of our neighbors across Yavapai County,” said YC Student Government Association President Susanna Marcinek.
Affordability is a hallmark of Yavapalooza. Everyone under age 18 and YC students, faculty and staff with a valid ID are admitted free. Adults 18 and older pay just $2 at the door.
Among the activities on tap at Yavapalooza are bounce houses, relay races, train rides, corn hole, carnival games, emergency-vehicle displays, face-painting, balloon animals and other hands-on experiences hosted by YC student clubs and academic and carer-training programs. Attendees can win a free Yavapalooza T-shirt when they try their luck at certain games and be invited to tie-dye the shirt on the spot.
Performing live at Yavapalooza are the YC Rhythm Riders Jazz Band and Lisa Mitt’s Music.
Food trucks scheduled to be on hand include Guac and Roll, Gibby's Road House BBQ, Oogie's Dogs, Lighthouse Coffee, Hotcakez Baking Company, Dippin' Dots and The Eatery at Yavapai College.
Top community sponsors of Yavapalooza this year are Hero Party/ASA Rentals, Pinnacle Bank and Culvers.
For all the details about Yavapalooza, visit yc.edu/yavapalooza.
For information about the iShelter project+, watch this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on4TD9dZj_U
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu
