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Rocky crosses the finish line

Bulls Family Fest 2024 [Courtesy of 鶹AV Foundation]

Thousands expected as 鶹AV’s on-campus interactive festival welcomes Tampa Bay families

By Ryan Hughes, University Communications and Marketing

The 鶹AV will welcome thousands of Tampa Bay community members to Bulls Family Fest, a free, interactive event that gets children of all ages interested in higher education and engaged with 鶹AV early in their lives.  The festival provides a variety of the opportunities available at 鶹AV and within the local community. From educational and cultural activities to sports and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to experience. Bulls Family Fest will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, on 鶹AV’s Tampa campus. 

Just prior to the festival, hundreds of runners will hit the pavement for the Rocky’s Run 5K. The run begins at 8 a.m. at the Marshall Student Center. 

More than 150 exhibitors will participate in Bulls Family Fest, with representatives from 鶹AV colleges, departments and student organizations.  Local businesses and community organizations will also be on hand. 鶹AV Athletics will offer Spirit Squad photo opportunities and interactive sports games. Stilt walkers from Busch Gardens and mermaids from Weeki Wachee are also set to entertain attendees. Food will be available for purchase from many of the dining options inside the Marshall Student Center.

  • Bulls Family Fest 2024

  • Bulls Family Fest 2024

  • Bulls Family Fest 2024

  • Bulls Family Fest 2024

The event will also feature a mascot race with 鶹AV’s Rocky the Bull and several other local favorites, including ThunderBug from the Tampa Bay Lightning, Captain Fear from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Phinley from the Clearwater Threshers. 鶹AV President Rhea Law is set to emcee the race, which starts at 11 a.m.

Rocky with trophy

For many local children, this will likely be their first exposure to a higher education institution, which helps to set the stage for future interactions. 

“Our inaugural Bulls Family Fest was wildly successful, and we’re thrilled to keep the celebration going for a second year,” said Caryn Preston, assistant director of the Office of Youth Experiences at 鶹AV. “Bulls Family Fest allows children and their families to see the limitless opportunities available at 鶹AV and help them experience all that’s available as they prepare for the future.”

While the event is free, attendees are encouraged to . Interested participants can also sign up for Rocky’s Run 5K. The race is $35 to participate.

As part of 鶹AV Lifelong Learning, the operates under the umbrella of the . Youth Experiences works to connect the Tampa Bay community to the colleges, programs and people of 鶹AV through summer camps, field trips, community events, guest speakers, educator professional development and curriculum support. 

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