A new event at Del Mar College is in the works to combine the long-time Viking Fall Carnival, the Dia de Los Muertos Welding Competition, and a Car Show into one event that could generate more exposure for the college programs and raise more funds for student organizations. 

But first, the college needs students’ input said Jason Houlihan, DMC’s executive director of marketing and events. “We want to get the student club and organizations’ buy-in because I think it’s going to be more successful with them versus trying to do something separate,” Houlihan said. “It helps the college but also builds a bigger audience for them.”

Houlihan said the new event would be called Viking Fest and is set to be widely advertised to reach community members beyond the college campus. The event would take up space across multiple areas at the WEST CAMPUS and also feature live music. 

Sam Garcia, who is the assistant welding professor at the college said the event can be an opportunity to raise awareness about Del Mar’s programs while engaging with the community. 

According to Garcia just this semester he said 17 students completed their welding certifications. 

“As the welding competition started gaining momentum I believe a lot of Del Mar departments thought of the potential it would have if we had a festival of sorts,” Garcia said.  “Somewhere you could bring the family for fun and games at the same time see what Del Mar has to offer with onsite advising, career promotions, and maybe find out some very useful pathways for someone looking to further their education or find training for a company seeing employers.”

Executive Director of Marketing and events, Jason Houlihan aims to merge three successful events into one calling it Viking Fest. “We’re trying to build a bigger audience which fits under this umbrella; Viking Fest,” said Houlihan.

According to Houlihan, the proposed event aims to create a dynamic festival atmosphere that draws in a wide audience from the local community and beyond. “With a comprehensive marketing strategy in place Viking Fest is primed to become a major community event,” Houlihan said.

“I didn’t realize the Viking Fall Carnival is a way students raise funds for their clubs and organizations,” Houlihan said. “We want to get the student club and organizations buy-in because I think it’s going to be more successful with them vs. trying to do something separate. It helps the college but also builds a bigger audience for them,” said Houlihan. 

Dean of Student Engagement and Retention, Rita Hernandez states that although the details are pending, “Like current DMC events, this event could offer the community the opportunity to learn more about programs and services DMC offers.”

Assistant Welding Professor Sam Garcia, who has been working at Del Mar for the past 8 years, states approximately 17 students have graduated from taking his courses this semester.

“We really believe in Del Mar and the education it can bring to our community. As the welding competition started gaining momentum and began to get noticed I believe a lot of Del Mar Departments thought of the potential it would have if we had a festival of sorts,” Garcia said. “Somewhere you could bring the family for fun and games at the same time see what Del Mar has to offer with onsite advising, career promotions, and maybe find out some very useful pathways for someone looking to further their education or find training for a company seeing employers.”

“There will be an email sent out to the clubs having an opportunity to vote and decide whether they want to participate. Because it would take the place of the Viking Fest Carnival it’s a big change in terms of the location and volume,” Houlihan said.