Frontier Fiesta - Variety Shows

Variety Shows

One of the main features of Frontier Fiesta are the variety shows. These shows, hosted by student groups, are 30 minute long shows that include singing and dancing. These shows are judged in an individual competition as groups compete for the coveted Joe Koppel Award (named for the second chairman of Frontier Fiesta in 1941), which is awarded to the best overall show.

In addition to the show itself, the student groups construct elaborate "fronts" which act as an entrance to their tent for the performance. The fronts line the main midway of Frontier Fiesta, effectively becoming "Fiesta City". They are usually are constructed in a theme to match that of the show. For example, an Old West jailhouse may be the front for a show that centers around a jailbreak.

Frontier Fiesta was originally Western themed and most of the fronts and shows were done in an Old West style (country music and dancing were the norm). As the years have gone by and as the student groups participating in the event have become more diverse, Frontier Fiesta has deviated from its Old West heritage and become more current.