Beginning the year with a bang
Annual Block Party gives students chance to unwind after 1st week of classes
CARNIVAL — Liberty students gathered in the LaHaye Student Union parking lot Sept. 3 to enjoy food, fair rides, games and the opportunity to connect with other students. Photo credit: Caroline Sellers
As the sun set over the mountains, the crowded parking lot of the LaHaye Student Union glowed with lights.
That was the scene of Liberty University’s 2016 Block Party, an annual event hosted by Student Activities to promote student involvement and welcome students back to campus.
This year’s Block Party included a Ferris wheel, multiple carnival-style games, trampolines and fair rides — all free for students.
Food trucks from around the Lynchburg area were also present throughout the Block Party.
Tents across the Block Party provided students with opportunities to win prizes, get coupons for local businesses and learn more about campus activities.
Multiple organizations hosted booths throughout the Block Party to promote their causes and interact with students.
Both official Student Government Association clubs and departments held tables, offering free swag and the chance to learn more about campus activities.
Local businesses were also welcome to set up booths at the Block Party.
RISING ABOVE — Students climbed a rock wall outside of the LaHaye Ice Center. Photo credit: Dean Hinnant
Locked-Up Lynchburg had a mock-escape room set up, where students could attempt various activities and attempt to win T-shirts.
This event helped both students and various departments looking to reach the student body, offering an array of student opportunities in an accessible space.
At the club sports table, recruitment coordinator Ben Hughes said they had each of their clubs represented at the Block Party by student volunteers.
“[The response] has been awesome,” Hughes said. “We’ve done a table in the past, but this year we’ve done it a little bigger.”
LaHaye fitness coordinator Javaz Williams also saw an increased turnout at this year’s Block Party.
Williams helped run a table for the LaHaye Student Union where students could play cornhole and ask staff any fitness questions they had.
“We set up a table at the Block Party because we just want people to become familiar with the things that we offer over here at LaHaye,” Williams said.
“Sometimes you have people at the Block Party who normally wouldn’t come to our facility, so it gives us an opportunity to connect with another part of the student body.” Senior Jared Devin worked for Student Activities at the Block Party and was encouraged by the event’s turnout.
“Our goal for any event is to culturally engage students and society,” Devin said. “We really just want to engage students and let them meet each other. It’s really about loving others.”
HELPFUL — Organizations such as Cure spoke with students at the Block Party. Photo credit: Caroline Sellers
Junior Alexa Carlson attended the Block Party and felt that a connection with the student body was present.
“It’s good bonding for our hall, and it’s a good time to spend together and see what other opportunities are out here for LU students,” Carlson said.
“I think it’s always cool to see everybody come out at the beginning of the year,” senior Hannah Phillips said. “It’s always a good time.”
Vacation Manor, Colony House and Dave Barnes all took the stage throughout the Block Party to play music to the crowded parking lot. At the end of the night, the event concluded with a fireworks display.
Moyer is the feature editor.