"I’m a local-latino girl," said HPU student Rosa Almodovar, struggling to be heard above the music filling upper Fort Street Mall during HPU’s Sept. 15 Club Carnival.

Aldomovar is the secretary for the Organizacion Latino Americana (OLA) at HPU, and salsa and samba dance sessions, sponsored by the club every Thursday on the downtown campus may be one reason it attracted 30 new members during the Carnival.

Despite its name, HPU’s Club Carnival doesn’t offer thrilling rides or cotton candy. But, the downtown campus street party, which kicks off every academic semester, featured booths from more than 30 campus organizations and also offers HPU students increased social contact.

"The Club Carnival is a membership drive for our clubs," said Taylor Boyd, director of Student Life. "It’s a way for new students to get information about clubs and their activities for the upcoming year."

Carnival madness peaked around lunchtime when students, booths, and blue and white balloons filled the mall. Fueling the fun were performances by HPU’s band, Spirit Club, and a jam by local band Manaohana.

Also at the carnival were approximately 15 local vendors who offered HPU students special discounts on merchandise and services, such as a $1 introductory membership fee from 24-Hour Fitness.