Feasting and falsettos at annual Rock Fest
By Sawyer Lilley and Jasmine White
LIVE music enveloped the zealous crowd of students that surrounded the stage as food trucks, large inflatables and artistic activities filled the campus green for Rider’s annual Rock Fest.
On Sept. 5, Welcome Week ended with the anticipated event, which worked as a way to decompress after a long week of back-to-school pandemonium. Music courtesy of the Band of Make Believe performed song covers of well-known selections.
The group members spent their night corralling students toward the sounds of popular tunes such as “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. Hoards of music-lovers chanted around the stage, dancing the night away. “Cotton Eye Joe” and some of Taylor Swift’s more popular tracks got people swaying and singing.
Merit Davis-Stafford, freshman psychology major, strolled onto the campus green with a group of her friends, filled with excitement as she surveyed all the stations. She expressed her willingness to “get involved”.
“I’ve been getting really good vibes from Rider,” Davis-Stafford said. “I’ve made a lot of good connections and I really like the vibe I get overall.”
The inflatables included basketball nets, obstacle courses and the return of the infamous mechanical shark, a take on bull riding, which caught the attention of many attendees. Students also climbed through bouncy courses and wrestled one another in a “wrecking ball” blow-up battle.
Olivia Wheeler, freshman secondary education major, noted how Rock Fest allowed her in her adult age to get reconnected with her younger self. She smiled as she grabbed ahold of her complimentary Rock Fest shirt she got upon entry to the event.
“I like all the free things and I like the jumpy houses [because] they are fun,” Wheeler said. “Even though we are older, it’s still fun to be in touch with your nostalgic side.”
Students and faculty were welcome to indulge in free food provided by various food trucks that lined the outer edges of the campus green, of which the Empanada Guy truck generated the most hype. Smoke House, Yoo Cuz and a shaved ice truck also received positive commotions, as students created long lines to get a quick bite to eat.
Waiting just beyond those trucks and delicious treats were airbrush tattoo artists, wax figurines and caricature art located on the already lively outdoor patio of Cranberry’s, making the perfect safe-haven for students looking to participate in less physical, relaxing activities.
The event staff, Party Perfect, hosted the wax station, where students could create wax figurines of their hands, following a simple step-by-step process.
“It’s very nostalgic because I used to do this a lot as a kid at birthday parties and stuff,” Sophia Burns, Party Perfect staff member, said. “I’m excited for everyone to try.”
To wrap up the night, crackling and warmth filled the air from the large bonfire created and monitored by Lawrenceville’s fire department. Hints of red, orange and yellow sparks complimented the laughter and camaraderie from the festivities.
From music to games and crafty activities, there was something for everyone to sink their teeth into and forget about the stress of classes for just a night. It provided an oasis for everyone on campus to simply let loose and be themselves.
