Students swarmed into the crowded Memorial Union Wednesday for WelcomeFest to receive free merchandise and information about the ISU and Ames community.

More than 95 businesses and organizations participated this year, said Laura Bestler-Wilcox, program coordinator for the Dean of Student Office.

Businesses and organizations reach a large number of students, especially new students, said Tara Payne, director of public relations for the Student Union Board.

“It helps us get our information out to the underclassmen,” said Payne, senior in journalism and mass communication. “They’re the ones that come to this because they are so fresh to the community.”

Now that WelcomeFest is located in the Memorial Union rather than the Lied Recreation Center, like in years past, more students attended. Bestler-Wilcox said an estimated 4,500 students stopped by WelcomeFest.

President Gregory Geoffroy joined the students and found free samples among the familiar faces.

“It’s neat. I bumped into several students I met at other places,” said Geoffroy with fliers in hand.

Ken Kuss, freshman in meteorology, said he was happy he attended.

“I am from Ohio, so there were lots of things I never heard of,” he said. “It’s packed but I got free coupons so that’s always cool.”

Coordinating an event this large is quite an undertaking, Bestler-Wilcox said.

“It takes basically all year,” she said.

“We will start advertising for 2002 in three days.”

In addition to students getting a lot out of the event, the exposure is good for the businesses that take part as well.

“It’s a good opportunity for the community to interact with the students,” Payne said.

Bestler-Wilcox also was pleased with the outcome of the night.

“I hope that WelcomeFest is a great way for at least 4,000 students to get to know the Ames Community,” she said. “Welcome back, students.”