Luís Escobar, contributor

Taste of Augsburg, an event that has cemented itself as a tradition of Augsburg’s homecoming for years, has gathered organizations from our own community to create a special experience. With food, amazing music, face painting and much more, what wasn’t there to love? Joined by students, alumni and even an exclusive with Paul C. Pribbenow himself, here’s everything you might have missed just hours before the big homecoming game. 

Alumni seem to believe that the event has gotten better over the years, complimenting the food. Minh-Thu Duong, a first year student, was willing to give their thoughts on the celebration. “It’s a celebration of Augsburg, they’re really great for letting this event happen.” Hmong Women Together’s skewered chicken and Augsburg Asian Student Association (AASA)’s wontons were extremely popular, with just about everyone surrounding their booths to get a bite. Augsburg Latin American Students (ALAS)’ table, accompanied by their already amazing dorilocos and chocobanana, brought as much energy and excitement to the event as possible with their music and dancing. Chemistry students made an amazing spectacle with their table, using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream — intuitive, creative and so very delicious!

The celebration couldn’t be complete without music, and Taste of Augsburg was definitely complemented by the performing band, Bluehound. Established in 2015 and composed of seven performers, six of which are Augsburg alumni, they are a self described “indie band with soul influence.” Performing amazing covers of classics like “Let’s Go Crazy” by Prince and an all-time-favorite “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire plus their original songs “New York” and “Willow Tree” were just as vibrant and lively. You can listen to them on Bandcamp and Spotify! 

All of the clubs mentioned above were given a special shout out during Taste of Augsburg. Edward Stockard, a member of the student activities council, announced the winners of the homecoming decoration contest and the homecoming royalty. ALAS won “Night to Remember,” Augsburg University Student Ministries won “Most Auggie Pride” as well as “Most Tied to Augsburg’s Mission,”  KAUG won “Most Representative of Student Organization,” Hmong Women Together won “Most Interactive” and AASA won “Mother Nature Vibes.” The grand champion of the decorating contest, the one that demonstrated the most commitment and creativity of their organization was AASA. And in what seems like the first time in Augsburg’s history, homecoming royalty was handed to two astounding Queens: Gabriella Ortiz-Riera and Barbara Sabino Pina. Congratulations to you all! 

Augsburg’s very own president, Paul C. Pribbenow was also at the event, and he was more than happy to express his admiration. When asked about his favorite homecoming event, there was absolutely no hesitation when he answered, “Taste of Augsburg. It is about students being able to come together, meet alumni, especially now that it’s back in person.” It is a tradition that he has grown only more fond of over the years, being able to see more familiar faces.