Businesses and organizations will be providing free food and samples while showcasing various services, products and job opportunities to students at the annual WelcomeFest on Wednesday.

“The benefit is for the students to get to know what’s in our community,” said Laura Bestler-Wilcox, Memorial Union program coordinator. She said about 4,000 people attended last year’s event.

ROTC is one organization that will take the opportunity to recruit new students. Maj. William Carlson, adjunct instructor in military science and tactics, said recruiting efforts at campus events have been successful in the past.

“We’re always trying to promote the program and the benefits of the program to freshmen, but also to sophomores, juniors and seniors, if they’re going to grad school,” Carlson said.

Kristen Juve, freshman in art and design, is attending WelcomeFest to find a job. “It sounds like a great idea for new students to view job opportunities,” she said.

Amy DeLashmutt, University Book Store marketing supervisor, said the event is a good way to promote the book store.

“It gives us the chance to get out and make face to face contact with the students and let them know about the University Bookstore,” she said. “And everyone loves the free goodies at WelcomeFest.”

Angela Groh, president of the Government of the Student Body, said WelcomeFest allows her organization to let students know GSB is accessible to them.

“WelcomeFest is a great opportunity to reach out to students and let them know what our mission and goals are and provide them with an opportunity to get involved and let students know to access us with problems they may have,” Groh said.

WelcomeFest is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Great Hall in the Memorial Union. Admission is free for all students and entertainment will be provided by a roving artist.

A complete list of participating organizations is available on the Student Activities Center Web site, www.sac.iastate.edu/Wfest/wfest.html.