Many ecofriendly changes are expected at this year’s Funktafest, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. 

The outdoor event, which features many local music acts, will feature new opportunities to reduce waste and “enhance the experience at this year’s Funktafest,” Perry Casto, the event organizer said.  

Amy Parsons-White, Director of the Sustainability Department, said she believes that an outdoor event such as this provides an opportunity to reduce waste at the festival and educate attendees about how resources can be applied in everyday situations. 

“We’re going to have recycling stations, workshops on backyard composting and our bikeshare bikes so the community can see what that’s all about,” Parsons-White said.

There will also be a petition for those in attendance to sign that would make the bikeshare program go city-wide.

With this being the fourth year that Funktafest is happening, there has been a push to not only improve the experience but also get Marshall students more involved with events taking place on campus and in the Huntington community. Casto, a Marshall graduate, said Marshall students should be aware of initiatives taking place around them. 

“From my own experience and from being an observer in the community, I always thought there was a disconnect between Marshall students and the rest of the city of Huntington,” Casto said. I took this as a challenge. There’s a lot of talented people in this area and this will give them a chance to showcase their talent in a larger venue. Establishing official partnerships with departments such as Student Activities and Sustainability can hopefully encourage people to volunteer and get involved.”

 With a variety of events coming up, there is expected to be something for everyone to do.

“I’m excited to see all the workshops taking place during Pop Up Funktafest,” Parsons-White said. “There’re things like funky yoga, activities for children and different workshops taking place every 30 minutes, and those who come to our Pop Up Funktafest can sign up to be a volunteer for four hours. Those who volunteer can get perks such as free admission in the 12-hour Funktafest festival as well as free admission in the afterparty taking place at the V Club.”

Those who are interested in being a part of the volunteering staff may contact [email protected] for more details. 

The Pop Up Funktafest, which is the precursor to the larger-scale Funktafest, takes place on the Memorial Student Center Plaza, Sept. 18 and will give those in the Marshall community an opportunity to attend Funktafest and the afterparty at The V Club for free. 

Although Pop Up Funktafest is a smaller festival in comparison to Funktafest, there are multiple events and activities scheduled. Those who attend Funktafest on Sept. 21 can expect to see bands such as Pyradigm, Caveman, The MFB and more perform. 

Olayinka Bamiro can be reached at [email protected].