The smell of good food, the live music and games drew students to the Presidential BBQ. The student run programming board, 7220 Entertainment, hosted the event on Prexie’s Pasture Wednesday evening. The group began planning this event in the fall of 2017. 7220 Entertainment strives to stay at least 6 months ahead in planning events that get students involved in campus life.
Jennifer Kirk, assistant director at the campus activities center, has helped 7220 Entertainment produce this event for the past five years she has been here and says it will most likely happen again next year.
“It’s great weather and a great way to connect with your peers, and just hang out and relax and celebrate the start of school,” said Kirk. One could say this has become a Wyoming tradition to introduce the new students to the various opportunities they have and the clubs they can join.
For 7220 Entertainment specifically, students had the opportunity to coordinate events and be a part of the behind-the-scenes process in putting them on like they did for this BBQ. Kirk also mentioned that the students in 7220 were able to meet special guests like the bands and stars who are featured at University of Wyoming events. This event specifically allowed them to meet the bands Trout Steak Revival and Chain Station, who put on an excellent show for the students and Laramie locals who attended as well. Furthermore, once the event started, the 7220 students were able to join in on the fun.
Games included soccer, volleyball, nine ball and some good old swing dancing to the live bands. Brody, a junior and civil engineering major, was happy to see the volleyball net when he arrived, quickly joining a game with his friends. He even met more friends through this, whom Brody says he would like to get to know more about in the future. Meeting new people and forging new friendships happened for Brody along with other freshmen in attendance.
“They covered everything; the right amount of stuff (sports, food and entertainment) for an event like this,” said Brody.
He then went on to say that he was happy it was open to the public, allowing community members to connect alongside students. Events at the university bring people together with a central location in town and something for everyone to enjoy. Solely country music playing at the event didn’t resonate with everyone but Brody and others enjoyed the Trout Steak Revival and special guest Chain Station. Overall, this event was a great success yet again, and we all may see a free BBQ meal and live band again in the fall of 2019.
