Opportunities and fun await at fair and pop-up

Wasco High School will host its 5th Annual Community Fair and Pop-Up on Friday, April 12, with over 75 pop-up vendors, representatives from trade schools, junior colleges, universities, and military branches, available to students looking for career options.

To add more fun to the mix, there will be an interactive obstacle course for the kids, making it an evening for the whole family. Whether considering higher education or seeking a dream career, the fair offers a one-stop destination to gather insights and to make informed decisions about the future.

Samantha Wymer is a career guidance technician at the school. "The goal of the event is to create community involvement, a place for the community to come together and enjoy a Friday night. There's something for everyone. It's a family night for future, past and current Tigers to attend at Wasco High."

Some colleges attending include Aeronautical University, Los Angeles College of Music and Milan Institute. There also will be informational booths about Job Corps recruitment and career exploration, and migrant and seasonal Head Start programs, and representatives from Hall Ambulance, Insurance Service and the City of Wasco will be there.

The event allows students and job seekers to network and meet with potential college recruiters and employers, enabling face-to-face time in a way that may not be fully captured through online applications or resumes alone.

Her advice to someone attending the fair for the first time is to "visit every booth. If you have questions, ask. No question is too silly to ask, especially at the college booths. Even asking a pop-up vendor, like, 'How did you get started as a small business owner?' So it's a good opportunity for everybody."

She added that it is also an excellent opportunity to support small businesses. "We are not charging our pop-up vendors a fee because our slogan, 'Excellence for All,' isn't limited to our high school students; we believe this slogan carries on even after our students graduate."

The free event will feature live entertainment with the rhythmic beats of steel drum music from the WHS Pan Rocks, led by Music Director Greg Sparks.

The event continues to grow year after year. "Last year, we had 50 vendors, and this year, 75, so it's something people want to be a part of. We've had a great turnout, and I anticipate it will continue to grow."

Wymer extends a warm invitation. "I want to encourage families in the community and surrounding area to attend our community fair that will take place on April 12th from 4 to 8 p.m. It's going to be an event for the entire family."

The fair will be held at Wasco High School, 1900 7th St., on the football field.