The second week of the UTEP fall semester ended with a bang after celebrating its 35th annual Minerpalooza, Sept. 6.
As the biggest event of Miner Welcome Week, Minerpalooza attracts the attention of thousands of students and community members each year. For the first time in many years, the event was held inside campus stretching from Leech Grove to the Fox Fine Arts Center with the main attraction being in the center of Centennial Plaza which featured music from local bands and artists.
This year also featured an artisan market along with the Battle of the Bands which was postponed after inclement weather interfered with band’s performances at Texas Western Gold Rush.
The market offered a variety of handmade art and products created by several UTEP alumni who received invitations from Student Affairs; marketing staff.
Tamara Marquez, wife to muralist and UTEP graduate Gabriel Marquez, says the new addition of the artisan market allows alumni to showcase their work after graduating school.
“Because he’s an alumni from UTEP we wanted to showcase here,” said Marquez. “It just shows how much talent comes from El Paso.”
For other vendors like Jennifer Schaefer and Alexis Ruiz, the chance to vend at a UTEP event as large as Minerpalooza allows them the opportunity to illustrate how artists can continue their success outside of the professional norm.
“It’s a great way to showcase how we evolved from the day that we graduate and what we become,” said Schaefer. “We (graphic designers) are not traditional professionals; this is what we do outside of farmers markets and big events.”
Students explored local art and food vendors until the main event began at 7:30 p.m. with performances by Saving Bandit, Vampira and Beach Cowboys. Adrenaline was high amongst the crowd with each band anxious to win a chance at two weeks worth of studio recording time.
“It was awesome (the crowd) were so lively, we had to rile them up a little bit, (we) just always have to do that, but they loved us I feel, and we had a really great time,” said Gael Moreno of Beach Cowboys.
Students and attendees gathered at Centennial Plaza and cheered as Beach Cowboys were announced the winners of the Fall 2024 Battle of the Bands.
Aside from live entertainment and vendors, Minerpalooza offered something for everyone from magic shows and rock climbing at Pete’s Playground along with a plethora of carnival games created by student organizations on campus.
As the night ended, freshmen Melody Nuñez expressed her appreciation for student engagement opportunities like these.
“It was really amazing, I really love it,” said Nuñez.
Other students like Victor Mendez believe the university should have more events like Minerpalooza throughout the semester.
“It’s the best event of the year. We need more music and more people; we need people at this event for sure,” said Mendez.
Carrie Martinez, a 2004 UTEP alumni encourages students to take advantage of events like these while they’re still in college.
“To bring things like this into the community it just makes for a better way of living,” said Martinez. “It brings a sense of community and better morale. I definitely feel like I missed out not coming all those years back and many years before.”
Whether you’re a student of the past, present, or future, UTEP will continue to cultivate Miner pride throughout the 915.
Alyda Muela is the web editor and may be reached at [email protected]; @alyrose.photos on Instagram.
