Card tables weaved through the old and new gyms with eager college representatives standing behind them, waving stacks of brochures and packets to attract possible attendees. Throughout this spectacle, students and parents shuffled from college to college, hoping to find “the one.”

The 2013 College and Career fair proved an exceptional opportunity, since campus construction had prevented Carlsbad from organizing it for the last three years. Food vendors, such as Knockout Pizzeria, Bull Taco and Kona Ice, camped between the gyms. Also, a raffle offered free speakers, headphones, gift cards and many more prizes to the lucky winners.

“I’m glad the fair returned in my senior year, so I can be more prepared for college next year,” senior Masami Amakawa said.

Parent volunteers contributed to the fair’s success, as they set up tables, printed maps and brochures and ensured the event sailed smoothly throughout the night. According to Jim Ribelin, the fair organizer, the turnout proved greater than anticipated.

“We are very excited to see all these people here this year,” Ribelin said. “We only expected to have about 1,500 parents come, and we are already way past that. This year, we are back and better than ever.”

The fair accommodated both students not far into the college application process and students unsure of which college to attend. Learning what each school offers, such as athletics, majors, campus life, clubs and city life, allows for a well-rounded research process.

“It’s helpful to see all of the options and get information from schools that I have never heard from before,” senior Tate Landau said.

For students who do not have enough time to travel, Monday’s fair provided an opportunity to visit 90 colleges within 10 minutes from home.

“I’m glad I went because now I don’t have to travel far away to find out about a college that I might want to attend,” sophomore Katia Mezey said. “All of the colleges are in one area and ready to hear any questions I have.”

From a 150-student Catholic school in Escondido to the widely known UC schools, all offered similar advice to upper and lower- class students who have begun to think about their future.

“This is a great learning experience for every level of student, and they should see what’s available,” University of Oregon representative Al Siegner said. “They don’t know what they want to do if they don’t look.”