On Saturday, October 10, 2015, students, family, and faculty gathered in the K-Wing viewing area with noisemakers in hand. They awaited the arrival of the golf carts decorated by numerous clubs and organizations on campus. Bystanders made more noise as they grew anxious before the parade began. Some fellow freshman looked on with hopeful eyes, as they would be experiencing their first ever “University Weekend” celebration. After waiting for the parade to begin, groups of people shifted closer towards the center of the sidewalk; the parade was starting.

Cheering and clapping erupted from the crowd as the carts drove onto the sidewalk. A large number of clubs had skillfully decorated carts, not only for the amusement of the crowd, but for the cart decorating contest as well. Veteran members of said clubs drove the carts while other members walked behind cheering on their club. The carts drove through the viewing area, down to the tennis courts, to Lot 6, and finally, to Big Blue, where they parked the carts in Lot 5.

The crowd followed or walked alongside the carts towards the carnival. Tents with carnival games were set up in the center, while moon bounces, rock climbing, and tents with food surrounded the center tent. Clubs hosted several attractions in the center tent. I helped out at the game that Rotaract hosted, which was called birthday block. For the hour I volunteered, several people played and others seemed interested enough to come back and play. When my hour was up, I spent time with my family and friends. University Weekend was a very fun and relaxing event for all, and many attendees seemed to enjoy the time spent at Stockton.