The rain that sent people running for cover could not put out the light of the Glow Fete that closed out the Caribbean Student Organizations 2018 Caribfest Saturday, Oct. 6 and ran through 2 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 7.

“Actually it is good that this event happens because it brings diversity around here,” Darina Wilkinson, nursing freshman, said.

This was Wilkinson’s first time attending Caribfest. She has attended the Parade of Bands and attended the Glow Fete.

Dancing and music flooded the night and food and drinks were provided as well as a photo booth full of props along with a DJ to keep student dancing as they celebrated the hard work putting together the events that were held. Students dressed in white and were given glowsticks before entering the Glow Fete to make the black light ultraviolet rays pop.

While food, fun and music is a major focal point for Caribfest, Caribbean Student Organization also makes donating and fundraising a priority to the community during Caribfest. To help with their annual fundraiser, the food committee sold “Caribtreats”, traditional Caribbean treats the students eat from their home islands. The committee also sold t-shirts and held a car wash in the summer to contribute to the fundraiser.  

Ashma Henry, computer science junior, has been attending Caribfest for three years, but has only been an executive for the CSO for a year. To be a part of the CSO, an election happens and whoever has the most votes wins a spot on the CSO committee. Henry said that being an executive she has been going to more events at Caribfest and has helped plan the events.

“Caribfest is like an expression of the Caribbean culture, back home we have this event called Carnival which is a two-day event. Where people are partying and jumping in the streets celebrating these events,” Marissa Norris, computer science junior, said.

While she has been involved with Caribfest the last three years, this is Norris’ first year as a CSO senator. As such, she helped plan the dance students do and decorate the event this year.

“We want the Caribfest to be more of a Wichita Falls event instead of just a campus event,” Norris said.

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