The Happening brought new and returning students to the front lawn on Aug. 26 to find what Valdosta has to offer.

Over 200 exhibitors came to the 19th annual event, bearing information. and memorabilia. Students left the front lawn with bags full of free items and plenty of knowledge about businesses around Valdosta.

DJ Lloyd Carter from Black Crow Media kept the crowd entertained with new music, and prizes.

“The Army gave away a laptop notebook, Blanton Commons gave away an iPad, and a bunch of free phones from T -Mobile,” Carter said.

The Happening is an annual event that helps VSU students discover activities around Valdosta and on campus.

It has expanded greatly over the years since its debut.

Prior to 2008, The Happening was held ,on Palms Quad but due to the growth of the student body as well as the increase of exhibitors, the event has moved to the front lawn.

“We have had more vendors then we have ever had this year,” said Robin Vickery Director of Student Life and Student Union.

This expansion gives students a better understanding of what the city and school has to offer.

“It is important for us to want to do this even earlier in the year because we want to get, especially new freshman, involved in organizations and those types of things,” said Vickery.

New students find The Happening very informative. Returning students also have the opportunity to learn about places they might have overlooked in the past.

Many business owners have realized the positive affects The Happening has on production and have decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

“It has opened up our business to a younger crowd that maybe didn’t know we were a shoe store,” Alice Thrasher, Country Cobbler employee, said.