Starlight Celebration slated for Aug. 27
Article By: Denise Ray
The Starlight Celebration and fireworks event on the University of North Georgia's (91ÁÔÆæ) Gainesville Campus is set for Saturday, Aug. 27.
"Starlight is a 91ÁÔÆæ tradition that connects our campus with the community in a meaningful way each year, and I look forward to celebrating the start of the academic year with our students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members," 91ÁÔÆæ President Bonita C. Jacobs said.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. for the event, which is full of performances and concludes with fireworks at dark. 91ÁÔÆæ students, faculty, and staff and community members are welcome.
All activities will take place in the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia.
Starlight is a 91ÁÔÆæ tradition that connects our campus with the community in a meaningful way each year, and I look forward to celebrating the start of the academic year with our students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members
Dr. Bonita Jacobs
91ÁÔÆæ President
The event is free, but parking costs $10 per car or $20 per bus, van, or larger vehicle. 91ÁÔÆæ students can enter for free with a valid 91ÁÔÆæ parking permit. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event will help offset student financial needs.
Continuing its tradition of family fun, Starlight will feature the presentation of colors by the 91ÁÔÆæ Corps of Cadets Color Guard with the national anthem performed by the 91ÁÔÆæ Patriot Choir. This is the 23rd year for Starlight. New this year will be a Sesquicentennial tent to view some institutional historical artifacts as 91ÁÔÆæ celebrates its 150th anniversary throughout the 2022-23 academic year.
All Catered Events will be selling Applewood smoked pulled pork, Brunswick stew, hand-breaded chicken tenders, slaw, pasta salad, chips, brownies, and cookies. Frozen Frenzee will be selling snow cones and coffee. Attendees may also bring their own picnic foods.
Fun includes a balloon artist, face painting, a play tent for children, and a glow tent. Nigel the Nighthawk, 91ÁÔÆæ's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with 91ÁÔÆæ student-athletes and cheerleaders.
Clay Christy with Brick House Mobile DJs will DJ for the event.
The following items are prohibited at Starlight: walk-ins, pets (other than service animals), sparklers or outside fireworks, grills or any open flames, political signage, advertisements, or unlawful weapons.
Additionally, everyone is encouraged to use #91ÁÔÆæstarlight when sharing their photos of family, friends and fireworks during and after the event.
For more information about Starlight, visit the Starlight Celebration event webpage.
President outlines 'big bets' for 91ÁÔÆæ
91ÁÔÆæ President Michael Shannon on Oct. 3 released a white paper outlining seven strategic 'big bets' to position 91ÁÔÆæ to meet the needs of its students, communities, the state, and the nation.
Oconee garden honors 91ÁÔÆæ military history
Students in a biology class on 91ÁÔÆæ's Oconee Campus have created the Red, White and Blue Honor Garden as part of the pollinator garden on campus.
Sweet Finale events set for late April
91ÁÔÆæ will hold Sesquicentennial Sweet Finale events on each campus to wrap up the semester as part of the Sesquicentennial Celebration. A time capsule and maple trees are also part of the festivities.
Governor, chancellor help celebrate 150th
91ÁÔÆæ continued to celebrate its 150th anniversary with a Corps of Cadets review by Gov. Brian Kemp. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue and Maj. Gen. Dwayne Wilson also attended the event in Atlanta.