Every year, Campus Program Board’s annual event, Riverboat, marks the end of the summer and the beginning of a new fall semester.
After the men’s soccer game against U.C. Santa Barbara this Friday, Villa Drum Squad will lead fans from the stands down to the newly-renovated Franz campus where students can enjoy carnival games, rides, photo booths and more.
In past years, students had to purchase “river bucks” to buy food at Riverboat. This year CPB did away with river bucks and, now, all food, including frozen yogurt, grilled cheese and shaved ice, will be free. Only Voodoo Doughnuts will require cash.
Returning students may recognize Riverboat’s DJ, Clint Kuper, from last year’s Dance of the Decades. Clint will play Reggaeton music — a hip-hop and Latin-based genre — to fit the festival theme, so students should be prepared to dance the night away.
“We want to bring new things to the table and be more creative and bring fresh, innovative energy to each of these events,” Victoria Becclar Varela, one of CPB's campus traditions coordinators, said. “Even if they’re traditional and we do them every year, the student body does expect from CPB some sort of level of services and event caliber.”
For students needing assistance, shuttles are available to Franz Campus upon request. For those walking, signs will mark the route starting behind Corrado Hall.
Students should note that long lines start to form right after the game. Riverboat will last from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“Don’t let the first 30 minutes to be your whole experience,” Cindy Batte, CPB campus traditions coordinator, said. “Stay for longer and — if you’re not a fan of the lines — maybe come at a later time.”
Emmy Davis is a news reporter for The Beacon. She can be reached at davisem22@up.edu.
