Psychology freshman Pamela Arguelles attended Frontier Fiesta for the first time this year and said she enjoyed experiencing new music and great food. | Courtesy of Pamela Arguelles
At first, psychology freshman Pamela Arguelles had no interest in attending Frontier Fiesta.
“I was literally dragged there,” Arguelles said. “I didn’t even know what Frontier Fiesta was.”
Her friends coerced her through the wire gates, and although she was originally confused by the presence of security guards and the tall, wooden structures that housed rambunctious students, Arguelles quickly caught scent of something that changed her mood completely.
“The smell of the food was so alluring,” Arguelles said. “I couldn’t stop buying it.”
Soon she had immersed herself in the aroma of the nearest concession stand. She and her friends bought soft, greasy pretzels and hot popcorn and strolled through the rest of the festivities, wandering over to watch the pie-throwing.
“I would have loved to throw pie at some people,” Arguelles said.
Walking into TDECU stadium, she heard unfamiliar music. Arguelles said she has never heard of any of the artists that came to the University this week. That didn’t deter her from enjoying the concerts; in fact, she cherished the opportunity to expand her musical tastes.
“I usually listen to mariachi. I feel like it’s an adventure to listen to other types of music like those,” Arguelles said.
Arguelles was most impressed by ScHoolboy Q, who excels in a genre with which she has no experience.
“I was totally digging that bass,” Arguelles said.
Computer engineering senior Edgar Tamez (left) and his friends, Rashid Alhomaidi and Jorge Cuevas, hung out at one of the many private parties at Frontier Fiesta this year, which he says is the only way to enjoy the event. | Courtesy of Edgar Tamez
For computer engineering senior Edgar Tamez, a Frontier Fiesta veteran, the event has consistently improved over the years — especially with the introduction of the event to TDECU stadium.
“The concerts were everything I hoped for, and I really liked the stadium layout,” Tamez said. “ScHoolboy Q was definitely my favorite moment.”
Tamez said he felt distanced from the bulk of last year’s festival, so this year, he made sure to gain access to one of the private parties. He stressed that this seems to be the best way to enjoy the event.
“I had access to food and drinks and… there were music and games at the private party,” Tamez said. “So, I had a better time because of that compared to last year.”
“Frontier Fiesta is definitely improving, but I definitely feel there should be more events that the general public can enjoy without being part of a private party,” Tamez said. “Many students were bored because they weren’t part of a tent. The organization that plans this event should take elements from similar events, such as the carnival at the Rodeo, to bring in a larger crowd, even if it means charging a small entry fee to non-students to raise money to pay for it.”
Although Tamez still “thinks there’s room for improvement,” he has high hopes for the Frontier Fiestas of the future.
“I would definitely come back after graduation, so I hope it continues improving,” Tamez said. “Frontier Fiesta is something unique to UH, so I hope the University invests more into it.”
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