From racing to romance, there was something for everyone at Vulcan Fest 2019.
The second annual collaboration with the Washington CountyTourism Promotion Agency brought thousands of visitors to California and surrounding communities.
After a week of student activities and alumni gatherings,Vulcan Fest and Homecoming Weekend got off to an early start Saturday as about100 runners and walkers raced around campus in the first Vulcan Fest 5K.
By noon a carnival atmosphere prevailed on Third Street, where the traditional Homecoming Parade rocked to the beat of the Cal U MarchingBand, a dozen high school bands, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steeline drum line.
The lineup of student-built floats paused for a moment while senior Nicolas Bishop proposed to his sweetheart, senior McKenna Ferris, in a shower of confetti. Then it was off to Roadman Park, where DJs provided a sound trackfor food-truck dining, tailgate parties and samples of Cal U Brew.
After the Homecoming King and Queens (yes – two!) were crowned, Vulcans football capped off the day with a win.
“You meet a lot of people … and do a lot of socializing,” says alumnus Frank S. Ptak ’59, who race-walked the 5K course and watched last year’s Homecoming Queen, his granddaughter Whitney Ptak ’19, crown this year’s royals.
“It’s fun!”
Grand Marshals with Cal U Ties
50-year members of the California Volunteer Fire Department are selected to lead the Homecoming parade on Oct. 12. Read the story.
