Harvesting the power of the sun while providing some music fun, organizers of this weekend’s Chilla Vista festival expect a crowd of over 800 people to attend this quarter.

Funded by the Isla Vista Community Relations Committee, an Associated Students group dedicated to local issues and environmental causes, this weekend’s Chilla Vista festival will provide live music and activities ranging from face painting to a tug-of-war match. The event, which will take place at Anisq’ Oyo’ Park on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., will also include free produce and use solar power in an effort to reduce energy usage and create a zero-waste program.

Chilla Vista member and A.S. Off-Campus Rep. Liz Buda said the bi-annual event is designed to bring the community together and promote environmental causes such as the reduction of energy use.

“We have our mission statement, DAJUS, which stands for diversity, awareness, justice, understanding and sustainability,” Buda said.

While past Chilla Vista events attracted many I.V. residents and students, Buda said attendance has grown significantly since 2006 when the event was first introduced. According to the group’s Facebook page, over 800 guests have confirmed their attendance. Buda said she hopes attendees enjoy the activities Chilla Vista has to offer and have their fun.

“The event is [run] on solar power and has zero waste,” Buda said. “A lot of events are very wasteful and we’re very aware of that. We want to make sure that people are having fun in a safe environment. We’re going to be having a henna artist and free produce and we’ll be doing things like face painting and tug-of-war. We have something called ‘Chilla Skrilla,’ which is kind of our currency and you can save it up for raffle tickets or prizes.”

Buda also said that groups like Students for Ron Paul, Environmental Affairs Board, CalPIRG and Habitat for Humanity will table at the festival. Several bands will play at the event including Boombox Orchestra, Other Nature, Liquid Gusto, Ambidextrous, Pat Monahan and the Naybrhood.

Alex Wasbin, a fourth-year student who designed the T-shirts and posters for Chilla Vista, helped organize the bands playing at the event. He said the bands should certainly accentuate the overall “chillness” of the event.

“They’re all friends and it’s the biggest festival of the year, and playing for your friends at Anisq’ Oyo Park is pretty rad,” he said.

Wasbin also said that Chilla Vista has served one of the largest festivals in I.V. and should continue to grow.

“Everyone who has made Chilla Vista what it is today, thanks a lot,” Wasbin said. “I helped out with [the one] last spring and I’m excited to keep working with everyone. We’re hoping to fill the park. Chilla Vista is by far the biggest festival that I.V. has seen. There were more people at the last Chilla Vista than Earth Day, actually.”

The Chilla Vista festival is a public event and will also feature alcoholic drinks for those who are 21 years of age or older.