Caribfest is an annual event coordinated by the Midwestern State University Caribbean Students Organization. Caribfest began 17 years ago and every year the event has grown and attracted large numbers from the community. We aim to bring Caribbean culture and cultural awareness to the community and campus.

The event is an explosion of color, music, culture, bright costumes and amazing Caribbean cuisine. This event is also an avenue for us as an organization to give back, and you can be ensured that all proceeds go charity. This year our premier charities are The Arc of Wichita County and the Wichita Falls Independent School District. We are also paying special tribute to Dr. Jesse Rogers who was instrumental in the Caribbean recruitment program allowing Caribbean students an opportunity to receive tertiary level education.

Caribfest is the biggest event that happens on campus, and with big things come even bigger responsibilities. Caribfest is broken down into several subcommittees that handle small aspects that make up this grand event. CSO turns 20 this year, and Caribfest has grown at an exponential rate, causing more preparations to occur.

There have been many hurdles to cross, all of which we have crossed victoriously. Preparations began in January 2014 and we are now in the final stages. As of today, we are putting finishing touches on every detail and making sure that every individual on and off campus is aware of the upcoming event.

I am trying my hardest to lead the committee down the best possible road to ensure we have a successful Caribfest. This year’s celebration has become “our baby” and we have put tears, hard work, sleepless nights, frustration and basically our all into this. Although we will rejoice at the sight of a day off, we will be happy to know that our amazing team helped us produce something of this caliber that will be enjoyed by many members of the community and students alike.

We believe in a much bigger dream. Not just to see the success of this year’s Caribfest, but the birth of something bigger. We would love to see a full-blown Wichita Falls event where we have the city behind us so we can also give back to more charity.

Anyone willing to help or support is welcomed to assist in whatever way possible. Contact us at [email protected] so we can make Caribfest our thing. It’s “20 years of Pure CSO vybz: taste the culture, feel the culture, live the culture.”