On October 7, 2017 Stockton University hosted a parade and Street Fair, which took place behind the campus center on College Walk, as part of University Weekend. University Weekend was held to welcome families and friends to the Stockton community and the street fair was the perfect way to celebrate and display all of the clubs and organizations that make Stockton so diverse. As a member of S.A.V.E (Stockton Action Volunteers for the Environment), I volunteered to help set-up our table and promote our club and its cause. On a beautiful day in October, it seemed as though the Stockton community was entirely focused on celebrating what makes our school unique.
At 11:30, the parade of clubs and organizations, teams, sororities and fraternities sported their elaborately handcrafted floats as they drove through the campus. S.A.V.E’s float, in particular, celebrated Puerto Rico’s biodiversity and sustainability efforts. Students and their families stood on the side cheering them on and getting a taste of what Stockton is all about. As our club’s float passed, we returned to our table to finish any last-minute preparations. The club leaders were very enthusiastic and passionate about spreading the club’s message of promoting a more eco-friendly atmosphere around our school and in our lives and keeping our environment healthy and enjoyable for everyone.
Our table included a pledge for passersby to sign to petition clean energy to our governor, as well as honey sampling from Stockton farm’s very own bees and the fittingly named “smoothie bike”, which (as the name implies) requires pedaling to power a blender that creates a delicious homemade smoothie. Our table provided the perfect opportunity to demonstrate to the family and friends of the Stockton community how easy it is to get involved in taking action for our planet while incorporating a unique and fun experience to tie it all together.
The fair overall was a success. The center of the university was filled with music and conservation, unique vendors and a variety of delicious food. My hour of volunteer service led me to experience the happiness and contentment that comes along with communal events and provided an enjoyable way to spend my weekend at Stockton. It also highlighted the idea that getting involved in clubs and activities allows you to make the most out of your college experience. This fair served as a reminder that Stockton University is unique in its mission of promoting a positive and unified environment not only for its students but for the surrounding communities.