Yofest, a “club week” for organizations on campus, began Monday with a faculty reception in Grandfather Ballroom in Plemmons Student Union.

During the four-day event, each participating club or organization competes in activities and challenges.  This year the activities are karaoke, trivia and the traditional Polar Plunge. Clubs keep track of the points they receive for each event, and at the end of the week the club with the most points wins a $150 cash prize.  Points are awarded for both events won and participation.

The entire event is funded by the Club Council budget.

“Any club president or club adviser affiliated with AppState are welcomed to come to the event,” said Ismael “Ish” Gomez, chairperson for Club Council.

A club or organization on campus will cosponsor each event.

“This basically means that an organization will help plan, organize and market the event they are cosponsoring,” Gomez said.

The Black Student Association will cosponsor a Karaoke Night in Whitewater Lounge Tuesday at 8 p.m. The Appalachian Ambassadors will host a trivia night Wednesday in the Parkway Ballroom starting at 8 p.m.

The week will end Thursday with the 15th annual Polar Plunge into Duck Pond.

In addition to Yofest prizes, prizes will be awarded to the most extreme male and female costume and best fundraising from an organization and individual.

The ASU Police Department, other Boone law enforcement and the Watauga County Parks and Recreation Department will cosponsor the Polar Plunge.  All the proceeds will go to Watauga County Special Olympics.

The Polar Plunge has raised more than $98,000 for Special Olympics since its commencement in 1998, according to a press release.

“We have a recreation committee in club council that played a big hand in organizing and making Yofest happen,” said Katlyn “K.K.” Kohler, a sophomore communication studies major and a marketing committee member of Club Council.  “They definitely are the reason this is happening.”

Story: EMMA SPECKMAN, Senior A&E Reporter