Student Activities Brings Students Together with Music, Food, Rides and Fun
Despite the heat and humidity, students came together for an action-packed Block Party welcoming the largest freshman class in Liberty University’s history.
Student Activities’ annual back-to-school event began at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28 in the LaHaye Parking lot. The stacked artist lineup highlighted the evening with Christian rappers FLAME and Aaron Cole headlining the event. FLAME set the stage ablaze with his performances of popular hits “Start Over” and “Joyful Noise.”
Other performers like Apollo LTD, RICHLIN, and Liberty’s own Scout and the Saints helped build the atmosphere of the event.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with some of my best friends at Block Party,” said lead singer Scout. “We’ve been having so much fun preparing for the show and can’t wait to share the art with everyone.”
One new addition to the artist lineup was the inclusion of a DJ in between musical sets. Lynchburg-based OBEHI the DJ kept the crowd jumping with his acclaimed music taste and signature dance moves.
“As an alum of LU, it means a lot to come back to my alma mater and help create memories for the students there,” said OBEHI the DJ. “The Block Party was the first event I went to every year and it was always so much fun.” Loads of attractions lined the venue, including beloved Lynchburg food trucks such as Nomad Coffee. Cross Concessions provided more traditional carnival food options, supplying students with deep-fried concoctions.
Familiar carnival rides, such as a Ferris wheel, and a carnival swing allowed students a chance to interact and have fun. The lines quickly became lengthy but the thought of a thrilling ride made the wait bearable.
A collection of Student Government Association booths sat out in the heat to promote various clubs that exist around campus.
“Not a lot of people know about all of our clubs we have on campus,” said Justin Gibble, an Event Supervisor for Student Activities. “We have about 20 tables set up just letting (students) know about them.”
Other vendors such as the Virginia Army National Guard and downtown Lynchburg’s Bikes Unlimited had stands with games and activities for students to try.
Temperatures were quite toasty as Student Activities staff worked throughout the day to help the day run smoothly. Water misting systems were set in place to keep students safe from the pounding sun.
Last year’s Block Party happened in three waves to help with social distancing, and only 1,500 students were allowed per time block. Student Activities was very excited to hold a maximum capacity event where they were able to introduce themselves as a department and give incoming students a dose of Liberty’s electric culture.
“The biggest goal is just welcoming everybody back, celebrating a brand-new year,” Gibble said. “We get to do it in this awesome way.”
The real vision of the Block Party and Student Activities as a whole is cultivating unity and togetherness with the student body.
“The purpose of the Block Party is to serve the students with providing not only a great event but developing community,” said Student Activities Assistant Director Jordan Kreitzinger. “Those who don’t know a lot of people have an awesome chance to make friends.”
For many students, Block Party connections have formed lasting friendships.
“My freshman year, I didn’t know many people when I went to the Block Party,” said junior nursing student Alyssa Minerva. “I wanted to try Nomad Coffee, but nobody else did except for a girl named Kaylee who I barely knew. We went, bonded over coffee, and now two years later whenever we see Nomad, we send each other photos.”
For more information on upcoming SA events, visit liberty.edu/sa or follow them on Instagram @libertysa.
Joshua Quigg is a News Reporter.