Union College, community members and the First United Methodist Church join forces for the 2nd annual Block Party and Pep Rally

The tradition began last year as a joint effort between the First United Methodist Church, the community and the college to help Union's students feel welcomed and a part of the community. Students, faculty and staff, church members and members of the community were invited to the block party and pep rally for food, games, door prizes and for a chance to cheer the Union College Bulldog football team on to victory.

"This year's event was as successful as last year," Jerry Jackson, event coordinator said, "We [Jackson and a team of volunteers] organized the event around a rodeo theme and I really think the students enjoyed the music and the games we had available."

Union's traditional evening meal was served on the front lawn and everyone in attendance had the opportunity to enjoy several tables full of homemade desserts provided by volunteers. Everyone also had the opportunity to joust in an air arena, sumo wrestle, dunk their coaches in the dunking booth and there had been plans to have a mechanical bull, however, those plans fell through at the last minute.

"The mechanical bull arrived an hour late and the event operators failed to bring the electrical equipment needed to operate the machine. Since we hadn't planned to provide electrical equipment ourselves, we had to turn the mechanical bull away. I know the students were disappointed, so we hope to have the mechanical bull at another event," Jackson said.

Students also had an opportunity to win door prizes donated by community members and local businesses. Kentucky Physical Therapy, John David King with Union National Bank, the Girl Scouts, Dr. Bob Dunaway and Dr. Cliff Gregory all donated prizes that were given to students who correctly answered questions related to Union College and the college's history.

Many volunteers and Union staff worked for weeks to plan the event and that work was well worth the effort. "No one took an official headcount, but I think several hundred people attended and I feel certain everyone there had a good time. I know the event is worth the time and effort we all put into this. Union College is one of the cornerstones of our community and its important that we acknowledge that by showing this kind of support," Jackson concluded.

September 20, 2004

 

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