On Wednesday, April 18, UTEP’s Student Government Association will host MinerFest at Centennial Plaza from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“MinerFest is UTEP’s newest tradition that will work toward creating a full-on music festival for the years to come,” said SGA Executive Assistant, Ryan Saenz.

As part of the first MinerFest, SGA wants to highlight the local talent of the borderland by featuring local artists such as American Idol and The Voice contestant Elia Esparza, 104.3 Hit FM DJ Johnny Kage and new to the scene artists Irie Lee and Wildsters.

“This is an SGA initiative built to start working toward a large-scale music festival right here on campus. UTEP Students and the El Paso community deserve more high-quality music events that will help improve the quality of life of many El Pasoan’s and work toward giving UTEP students a greater sense of pride on campus,” Saenz said.

Besides music, the free festival will offer a variety of activities such as photo booths, a Ninja Warrior type of obstacle course and free food for the first 250 students.

“We hope this event will grow organically and that we will eventually be able to bring multiple Billboard Top 100 artists,” Saenz said.

In their 2018-2019 budget proposal to The Division of Student Affairs, SGA will be requesting more money for the SGA budget so the event can grow and eventually reach the quality of other high profile music events seen in El Paso.