Julia Guerrero EDINBURG – UTRGV saddled up with its first major homecoming event, Vaqueros’ Boots and BBQ, last week. Students gathered for a night of homecoming spirit, as the event was the first major activity held on the newly renovated quad.
The night included axe throwing, line dancing and brisket sandwiches provided by the Student Union’s Community Corner restaurant, Q’in it Up.
Sergio Martinez, associate director of the Student Union, said a lot of thought and planning went into the event to make it a tradition; while still sticking with the spirit of UTRGV.
“We wanted to add something special for our students,” Martinez said. “Country music, boots, barbecue, what’s not to love? It’s in the theme of the Vaquero spirit and I feel like it’s going to continue.”
The biggest theme in the event revolved around boots, a common fashion choice in the Valley.
Martinez said every pair of boots has a story that is told through the wear and aging.
House of Fashion member Michael Montelongo said, with the theme of the event, students were ready to show their personalities through their choice of outfits.
“Who doesn’t want to get ready and dolled up for an event and go have fun,” Montelongo said. “Especially if it’s here on campus, after you study you can come over here and do stuff.”
Students such as international business sophomore Allison Smith and marketing sophomore Natalia Saldaña said the event felt right at home.
“I definitely agree, especially in the dancing aspect because the majority of people here are Hispanic, you know what I’m saying,” Smith said. “And I’ve noticed in the Hispanic culture they love dancing, you know so having events like this, it’s inviting, it’s welcoming.”
Martinez said he hopes the event will be a staple of Homecoming Week on campus.
To check out more homecoming events visit Vlink or UTRGV’s social media pages.
