WestFest, a huge community festival in West Haven, brought hundreds of University of New Haven students and West Haven residents together on Aug. 27 for a day of fun activities and events in the West Haven Green.

WestFest was co-sponsored by the UNH Mayor’s Advisory Commission, the Office of Mayor Edward O’Brien, the University of New Haven, UNH Welcome Week and Frontier Communications. The Advisory Commission consisted of Sabrina Schell, Sam Nicosia, Ben Atwater, Dan Delgado, Mia Sumra, Rob Granoth, Sarah Markland, Connor Vargo, and Navjot Singh, all UNH students who worked with Political Science Professor Chris Haynes to bring together the students and the community.

Mayor Edward O’Brien began with a quick introduction and remarked that “UNH has been a great partner with West Haven; I look to forward to that and making that relationship better!”

Councilman Ron Quagliani spoke on the positive impacts that the University has had including reduced tuition for locals and programs that allow students to attend classes tuition free. The programs that allow students to experience UNH have created great bonds between the school and the locals.

“I think WestFest was a great time; you can really tell that a lot of energy was put into hosting and planning the event,” James Kielar, USGA president said. “My favorite event was the first band that opened. I really like metal music so when I heard some of those low-tuned guitar riffs I knew the festival was going to be fun. Also, I was stoked to see Bao’s Kitchen had a food table because I love Chinese food. All in all WestFest was a great success and I can’t wait to attend next year. I believe WestFest was a great step forward in integrating UNH with West Haven.”

One of the acts that performed was Wake Up Paradise, a Rock/R&B/Alt/Pop band featuring Brad Averna, Sal Brisindi, Eric Dellavalle, Roger Wuy, and Lou Acerra, who kept the energy high despite the heat.

“We’re extremely happy with the turnout for the event, for the first time doing something like this for the University and the City we couldn’t be happier with the outcome,” said Rob Granoth, one of the members of the commission.

“Everyone who came had a great time and all the local businesses and school organizations who participated really enjoyed the day. We received a lot of compliments on how well the event was organized and run so we’re excited to make it even better for next year.”

The Mayor’s Advisory Commission worked to create a spectacular event full of performances and vendors that many hope was just the beginning.

“It was a nice time. I loved the Henna tattoos and Face Painting and seeing UNH and the city come together,” Jamie Perkins, another resident of West Haven, said.

More than 50 booths and performances around the green were enjoyed by many, especially the car demonstration done by the local fire departments.

West Shore Fire Department’s Captain Dugan expertly and comically narrated the demonstration, keeping the atmosphere engaging and educational.

Using a car that was damaged, the firemen proceeded to use various tools (Holmatro extrication tool, spreader, axe, and cutter) to disengage the car from the “patient.”

Another crowd favorite act was the acoustic guitar line-up addition of UNH student Geordann Daguplo.

Jennifer Tavella, a West Haven resident and mother of one of the dancers from Top Hat Dance Academy commented on the event.

“A fantastic, well run, and very organized event. Looking forward to next year!”