It’s WelcomeFest time again, and, as usual, the freebies are free-flowing.

The annual event works to inform students about university and city offerings, and often does so by handing out a lot of free stuff.

Meredith Keller, sophomore in animal ecology, said she will probably stop by to pick up some useful items.

“I do need a new Frisbee,” Keller said.

Not to be confused with ClubFest, WelcomeFest will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Memorial Union.

Keller said that she attended last year’s WelcomeFest because her learning community leader recommended it and because many other freshman went.

“They encouraged me to go because I could get all kinds of free stuff,” Keller said.

It proved lucrative as she picked up pens, pencils, Post-It notes and water bottles.

Keller said WelcomeFest was worth the time and advised students to make it a social outing.

“I recommend going with a group of friends,” she said. “That always makes it more entertaining.”

About 100 vendors will be available — from hair salons and pizza places to tattoo parlors and spiritual groups.

Businesses find WelcomeFest to be an excellent advertising tool because it lets new students know what’s offered, said Sue Kessel, event coordinator and buyer for T-Galaxy.

“It’s very helpful. I think letting new students know we’re here is a huge deal,” Kessel said. “It gets them connected to us.”

WelcomeFest expects 3,500 to 5,000 attendees to mingle and enjoy entertainment by The Flying Fool, Ken Schultz. Schultz will be roaming the room on stilts and handing out balloon animals.

Most patrons are new students because upperclassmen usually know where they want to go and then quickly get out, said Laura Bestler-Wilcox, assistant director of the Student Activities Center.

This year’s offerings include free food samples, pencils, pens, candy, stickers and more.

Also this year, Professional Cosmetology Institute will offer paraffin dips with hand massages given by PCI students.

Some vendors will raffle services or products such as ISU merchandise from the University Book Store.

Free stuff isn’t the only reason to attend. Information is another draw for students new to the Ames area.

“It sounds cool because I have no clue what’s around here,” said Erin Kelly, freshman in animal ecology.

Kelly and her roommate Andrea Gord, freshman in animal ecology, said they would probably check it out to learn what local businesses are offering and where to find them.

“I could always use pencils and pens. I haven’t bought my school supplies yet, ” Kelly said.