Student Activities hosts annual Block Party
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7eventh Time Down and Red played a live performance Saturday night for both new and returning students
Rodeo — Spectators cheered on one student as he took a turn on the mechanical bull, one of many rides at the event. Photo credit: Ruth Bibby
As the new semester began, students navigated a busy week, which included Spiritual Emphasis Week as well as regularly scheduled classes, at Liberty University. While students remained active, Student Activities members organized the annual fall kick-off event, the Block Party.
Liberty students, faculty and alumni gathered Aug. 24 in the LaHaye Student Union parking lot to enjoy the longstanding Liberty tradition of enjoying carnival rides, including a ferris wheel and a mechanical bull, live music and a fireworks show.
“I think it is awesome how many people attended the Block Party this year,” Student Activities Coordinator Dylan Stine said. “Just watching students foster relationships and enjoy themselves was all we, at Student Activities, wanted out of the Block Party.”
The live music portion of the evening included premiere band 7eventh Time Down and rock band Red.
Lead vocalist for 7eventh Time Down Mikey Howard started the night off strong, thanking Liberty University and the crowd for attending
“We are just some rednecks who love to get rowdy and praise the Lord,” Howard said.
As the 7eventh Time Down finished its performance, lead guitarist Eric Vanzant acknowledged the crowd.
“If it were not for God and our fans at Liberty we would not be a band, and it is those reasons we thank you guys.”
Following the opening act, students slowly began to move toward the stage in anticipation of the arrival of Red.
Red then played 10 straight sets, including two encores.
Michael Barnes, Red’s lead vocalist, also took a moment to encourage students between the band’s songs.
“A lot of you coming to Liberty University may feel alone, but in this moment no one is alone,” Barnes said. “… and tonight you guys are making friends,”
Students from all different walks of life came together to celebrate the start of a new school year.
“It is the traditions that Liberty holds onto that makes these events so much fun,” sophomore Joshua Drumm said.
Whether it was listening to the bands, watching the fireworks show or having caricatures drawn that brought students together, the Block Party continued its tradition of fostering friendships.
“I want to thank Student Activities for a great event and encourage everyone to come out to the Block Party next year, because it was really fun,” sophomore Olivia Allen said.