As in recent years, Weber State University is hosting the Foam Party to welcome students for a new year of school. The party will be this Friday at University Village from 6 p.m. until midnight.

In previous years, the Foam Party has been held in the Bell Tower Plaza.

“The reason why this party has changed its location is because this party has been growing every year, and there’s a need for a location with more space,” said Michael Diamond, programming vice president of the WSU Student Association. “We tried a few locations, and the University Village was our best result. It will cater to the size and epic nature of this party, without a doubt.”

From 6-8 p.m., the party will feature a live band, candy and blowup party equipment. From 8-9 p.m., lingering guests can gather to break the world record for the most people skipping in one place at one time. Lastly, from 9 p.m. until midnight, rides and food will be available. Utah’s own DJ Marcus and his crew will be there to emcee the music.

“We chose Marcus and his crew because they are pretty well known in northern Utah and can entertain thousands until the late hours of the night,” Diamond said.

Diamond said the WSUSA is expecting a larger turnout this year.

“We’re trying to keep the party an annual event, so not much will change. Having said that, the rides, food and music will be quite a bit more fun this year as opposed to last. Main difference: much, much more people.”

The WSUSA has also joined forces with restaurants and other sponsors for the event to get the larger turnout.

“We have collaborated with many local restaurants and other sponsors to make sure that anyone who comes in can leave with more than just a fun experience,” Diamond said. “. . . We are using some unique marketing strategies and putting in a lot of hours to make sure that this annual party will have more in attendance than any year before. This will be a party that people will talk about afterwards.”

Student body president Andrew Gardiner said he thinks the Foam Party will draw a crowd with this new location in University Village because “we can regulate it better and make a profit to use towards more activities for students. . . . My expectations are to do as much as I did last year. Meet new people and enjoy the new kickoff of our school year.”

Tara Peris, Diamond’s adviser in planning the Foam Party, said she hopes a lot of students will come and have fun with their families and friends.

“I think this party will be a success, because we are reaching a larger audience and having activities that appeal to more people,” Peris said.

Gardiner said Wildcats need to spread the word and get other students to come.

“I am excited about this party because it is tradition!” he said. “This is one of the biggest activities we do as a student association.”