91ÁÔÆæ

Starlight celebration to blast off the first week of classes at 91ÁÔÆæ

July 24, 2017
The University of North Georgia will mark the beginning of the new school year with family-friendly activities, food and fireworks at the annual Starlight celebration Aug. 26 at the 91ÁÔÆæ Gainesville Campus.

Article By: Staff

University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) students, faculty and staff as well as community members can celebrate the new school year with a bang.

The annual Starlight celebration featuring music, food and fireworks is set for Saturday, Aug. 26, at 91ÁÔÆæ’s Gainesville Campus. Gates will open beginning at 5:30 p.m. with fireworks starting at dark.

All activities will take place in the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood. In case of inclement weather, a rain date is scheduled for Sept. 9.

"To me, it is such a great experience as a university-and-community event,” said Richard Oates, vice president of 91ÁÔÆæ’s Gainesville Campus. “You have people sitting on the lawn having a picnic; kids will be throwing footballs and Frisbees; and students will be performing. It’s just a great family environment.”

The event is free, but parking costs $10 per car and $20 per bus, van or larger. 91ÁÔÆæ students may enter for free with a valid 91ÁÔÆæ parking permit. Table sponsorships are available for $100.

“You can almost go back to the old drive-in days and pack as many people in your car and come,” Oates said.

Money from the event will help fund student financial needs such as scholarships, student loans and the campus food pantry.

Oates said the celebration is to mark the beginning of the new academic year while showcasing 91ÁÔÆæ and its students to the community.

Groups set to perform in front of the expected 4,000-plus crowd include the 91ÁÔÆæ Brass Ensemble, the 91ÁÔÆæ Men’s Quartet and the 91ÁÔÆæ Jazz Ensemble. Members of the Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) also will perform selections from upcoming shows. GTA is a nationally acclaimed collaboration of 91ÁÔÆæ, Brenau University, theater professionals and the northeast Georgia community. 

 “And we will have a DJ playing music when the students aren’t performing,” Oates said.

Children can bounce off the walls inside inflatables or sit as still as statutes while 91ÁÔÆæ students decorate their faces with paint. Glow-in-the-dark items will also be for sale.

“And Nigel the Nighthawk will be there,” Oates said, referring to the 91ÁÔÆæ mascot.

Visitors may bring their own food for a picnic or buy some from vendors.

Oates noted it is the second year for the celebration in August.

“Originally, Starlight was a concert in June,” he said. “Last year, we moved it to August to culminate with the start of the fall semester and Welcome Week.”

Oates explained the celebration date changed to engage more students. Before, it was geared more toward the alumni and the community.

“I wanted to encourage more student involvement, and the community embraced the change,” he said. “We are showcasing our students to the community and students to other students.”

For more information, visit the Starlight celebration event listing online.


Luncheon honors scholarship recipients

Luncheon honors scholarship recipients

Five nontraditional female students at 91ÁÔÆæ each earned a $2,000 scholarship from the Women of 91ÁÔÆæ on Dec. 5 at the Women's Holiday Scholarship Luncheon.
Concerto/Aria winner earns upcoming solo

Concerto/Aria winner earns upcoming solo

Five 91ÁÔÆæ students placed in the annual Concerto/Aria Competition, with two earning a solo performance in an upcoming concert.
Grads prepare for their next steps

Grads prepare for their next steps

91ÁÔÆæ will award almost 1,000 degrees and certificates this fall, and more than 600 graduates are scheduled to take part in the Dec. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities

Scholarships provide life-changing opportunities

Scholarships have provided life-changing opportunities for 91ÁÔÆæ students, including performing with and learning from faculty who have performed at Carnegie Hall.