Starlight Celebration slated for Aug. 27
Article By: Denise Ray
The Starlight Celebration and fireworks event on the University of North Georgia's (51³Ô¹ÏÍø) Gainesville Campus is set for Saturday, Aug. 27.
"Starlight is a 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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," 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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
51³Ô¹ÏÍø President
The event is free, but parking costs $10 per car or $20 per bus, van, or larger vehicle. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø students can enter for free with a valid 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Corps of Cadets Color Guard with the national anthem performed by the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Patriot Choir. This is the 23rd year for Starlight. New this year will be a Sesquicentennial tent to view some institutional historical artifacts as 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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 #51³Ô¹ÏÍøstarlight 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.
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Governor, chancellor help celebrate 150th
51³Ô¹ÏÍø 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.