With the summer break coming to a close, new and returning college students can gather for fun and games at the annual Emporia State University Downtown Block Party at the north end of Commercial Street from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
The block party is a joint project between ESU and Emporia Main Street and will include music, food, games and prize giveaways.
“Basically the purpose is to engage the students with the rest of the business community,” said Main Street director Casey Woods. “It’s a fun environment where students will get to know about the community so they’ll know where to go to eat, shop and get services and things like that.”
The block party has been going on for several years, and is an increasingly popular event. This year, 50 businesses are participating, and the event is expected to draw more than 1,000 people.
Participating businesses will have interactive games for attendees and will donate prizes to be given away. Businesses also will have booths where students can get more information.
In conjunction with the block party will be a 9 p.m. showing of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” at the Granada Theatre. Tickets for the movie cost $4, and the Granada’s doors will open at 8 p.m.
Woods said the event is a good way to welcome students to Emporia, and is popular both with students and with participating businesses.
“A lot of our members look forward to this event all summer long to get engaged with the student body,” Woods said.
Harlu (anonymous) says...
The Block Party actually starts at 6pm and goes til 9pm. It is always a great event for all ESU students and staff!
August 17, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
okjayhawk (anonymous) says...
i'm originally from emporia and my son is attending ESU as a freshman. i am so glad to know that he is welcomed by the Emporia community as well as the college. way to go, Main Street!
August 18, 2009 at 8:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )