Replacing the Homecoming Parade this year, a new event called Packfest will be held in school on September 27th during an extended lunchtime. Clubs, sports, and grade levels will set up their own decorated booths, either at the front of the school, the quad, or the basketball courts and sell food items to fundraise for their club. Activities like games and a best decorated booth contest will also be held. The theme for this festival is Nintendo, so all groups are expected to decorate their booths to relate to the theme.

When asked about how his club feels using the theme Nintendo, the President of FFA, Daniel (Danny) Vargas, describes the theme as “unique and different,” saying that it’s another new aspect preparing for this carnival. During the preparation for the homecoming parade, they added to their floats in any way they wanted, but this year by trying to follow a theme for this new festival it’s encouraging their creativity.

Conversely, when talking with Club President of BSU, Senior Daniella Pierre, she would’ve preferred a broader theme, like video games. “I feel like [the theme Nintendo is] very limiting, and it also doesn’t give you creative freedom.” There could’ve been more engagement as well, stating, “…if we’re doing seniors verses juniors, seniors could be Xbox, juniors could be PS4.”

Pierre mentioned how she felt there was more excitement when preparing for the homecoming parade, and how, “it makes you really want to do a good job cause people are genuinely impressed, and it’s for the community…” whereas Packfest is only for the student body, and, “a lot of times [students] hardly participate…”

Vargas also stated that their purpose for these events is to encourage school spirit and their club members to participate more.

Clubs Commissioner, Senior Josephson Pacia, said when organizing the idea of Packfest, knowing that the preparation of the floats had a “huge impact on like the culture of West High.” Leadership wanted to preserve that by letting clubs, sports, and classes decorate booths.

Just like how the homecoming parade had a best decorated float competition, Packfest will have a best decorated booth competition. Josephson believes one of the grade levels’ booths will win: the freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior booth.

Who do you think will win? Check out Packfest on September 27th to find out and enjoy the activities.