90 degree and above weather didn’t stop Weber students, staff and faculty from assembling on the main sidewalks of the Ogden Campus for the 15th annual Weber State University Block Party, a yearly staple of activity for the college.
When most students think of the Block Party, they think of the all the free stuff they can get. But that’s the surface of what really goes on at Block Party. On-campus clubs, organizations and colleges assembled from the Stewart Library past Student Services and Lindquist Hall to spread information and good spirits.
Community pillars such as the Ogden Nature Center are also in attendance to obtain volunteers from students and passerbys. Dianna St. John, the new volunteer coordinator, enjoyed her first foray into the Block Party.
“We’re one of the community centers, and I love how engaged the students are at these events,” she said. “It’s one of the more engaging booth events we’ve been to.”
Many students and faculty shared stories of having a fun interaction at the booths, aside from the free swag they obtain.
“All the interaction and cool stuff is what draws me to Block Party year and year out. Been here since the beginning and I love it,” Digital Media professor Andrea Balthazar said. Balthazar is also the head of Studio 76, the video production organization on campus.
The theme for this year’s Block Party was “The Many Stories of Weber.” It was highlighted in several booths found at the Block Party. Days prior, students were invited on Instagram to share their stories of what brought them to Weber and why they love it. They were then awarded with a free shirt. Brad Mortensen, Weber State University President, received one.
Social media was a huge presence at the Block Party, more so than ever before. One way students could obtain free rewards such a T-shirts and raffle entries was to make sure they followed the booth’s department, club or organization on various social media.
But students could share their stories off social media as well. The Stewart Library invited students and passersby to record their stories in answers to certain questions. The Weber Services and Developmental Math departments invited students to anonymously record their experiences and stories for all to see.
A highlight of any party — even the Weber Block Party — is the food. Most food students saw when going booth to booth was the candy from spinning the prize wheels at various booths. In addition, the Food Trucks that come to campus throughout the year pulled up to the Block Party.
Students could obtain a meal ticket inside the Shepherd Union and could sample the various food trucks as well as the WSU dining options.
Korean CupBop and the MISOYum food trucks are recognizable hallmarks at WSU. The newcomer was the Pizza Cone Zone food truck. The Block Party was its second time on campus, and students surged to the truck for this exclusive eatery. The food truck will be seen in the future on campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the school year.
The WSU Band and cheerleaders assembled in front of Elizabeth Hall to perform their routines to ring in the school year with style. Their cheers could be heard throughout the buildings. Waldo the Wildcat joined in on the fun, taking selfies with students and doing his usual hijinks.
