Where Tradition Begins: Del Mar College Hosting First “Viking Fest” Oct. 25 (Updated)
Event expanding annual fall activities; organizers providing carnival games, giant inflatables, live music, car show, DMC program demos, Zombie Walk and much more on Windward Campus
Article by DMC College Relations/Adrienne VanBrunt
There’s always a “first,” and this year, Del Mar College will make history by hosting its first “Viking Fest” on Friday, Oct. 25. The public is invited to join the festivities from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Windward Campus (4101 Old Brownsville Rd., 78405) for an evening filled with fall fun, engaging activities and the spirit of Viking pride.
More than just a fall festival, “Viking Fest” celebrates what it means to be a Viking with this family-friendly event offering entertainment and learning experiences for all ages. The event features a variety of giant inflatables––including a 100-foot obstacle course, pumpkin bounce house, frisbee toss, darts and sports activities like football, baseball, basketball, soccer and golf––carnival games, a car show and live music. The College also will highlight several programs with impressive displays, such as a semi-truck and simulator, an EMT vehicle and a fire truck––all used for training DMC students for successful careers.
There’s even a costume contest and Zombie & Monster Walk/Run, so come dressed to impress!
Viking Fest’ is an event where you can bring the family for fun and games while at the same time see what Del Mar College has to offer with onsite advising, career promotions and the opportunity to find out about some useful pathways if you’re looking to further your education or find training for a company seeking employees.
“Viking Fest” is a community event with free admission. Tickets sales cover carnival games that support DMC student clubs, food and beverages. Information about the event is available on the Viking Fest Facebook page and the DMC web page, which includes a map showing the event layout and a performance, awards and costume contest schedule.
Questions can also be directed to College Relations Marketing & Events Executive Director Jason H. Houlihan at 361-698-1247 or jhouliha@delmar.edu.
Leading up to “Viking Fest” that day, the College’s Welding Technology Program will host their third annual Día de los Muertos Welding Competition with area high school, college and trade school students showcasing their skills as they compete for scholarships and other prizes. Competition begins at 10 a.m., and the community is welcome to watch these future professional welders demonstrate what it takes to enter the field. Winners will be announced and awards given at 6 p.m. on the live music stage.
But, if you’re more into Zombies and monsters and like to dress up as one, Intramural Sports with the College’s Kinesiology Program will host a one-mile Zombie & Monster Walk/Run with in-person registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Coleman Student Center on Boaz Blvd. Individuals can also pre-register online, and the first 50 registrants will receive a complimentary tee-shirt for participating in this free activity.
The festival also features live music with the popular Jon Carr Band, known for their lively country and rock tunes. Between sets, DJ DIJIT will keep the atmosphere amped up with upbeat tracks. Stage activities also include the “Viking Fest” Costume Contest at 8 p.m. with all ages welcome to compete. Winners will receive a $50 gift card for best costume.
Just added from 5 to 6 p.m., Carson Miller and the Coastal Cowboys will play a set before the Welding Competition awards are announced.
And, of course, what is a festival without games?
DMC student clubs will host carnival games for exciting giveaways with free candy and $1 ticket purchases in the Coleman Center to cover those activities, along with food and beverages. Each year, the carnival games help the student clubs raise funds for their campus- and community-focused activities. Among clubs participating are the Aviation Maintenance Club, BBQ Club, Dental Assisting Club, Hospitality Chefs Student Association, Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and the Rad Dragons Radiology Club, among many more.
As part of this year’s event, student clubs will compete to collect the most tickets at their booths to win one of three top spots for sponsorship prizes to support their initiatives.
Viking Fest sponsors include Steel Dynamics, Driscoll Children’s Hospital, Collier, Johnson & Woods, P.C., Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority, Pepsi, Rally Credit Union, ReadyFlo Systems, Schneider Electric, SpawGlass, Turner | Ramirez Architects and Valero.
‘Viking Fest’ is more than just a celebration. It embodies the Viking Way at Del Mar College, reflecting our core values–– Integrity, Courage, Resourcefulness, Community, Empathy and Tradition––and brings together students, families and community members to foster connections and showcase our commitment to making a positive impact.
Download the 2024 “Viking Fest” flyer to print and share. On Oct. 25, we look forward to seeing you there!
Viking Fest Flyer
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.
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