Written by Jada Dukes, Staff Writer

August 25, 2016 marks the 25 anniversary of The Happening.

According to VSU’s website, The Happening is an event that gives students an opportunity to learn more about what the on-campus organizations and the Valdosta community has to offer them.

Mrs. Robin Vickery, Director of Student Life says that the idea to have an event that allows students to get to know more about their campus came from the ”Campus Rec area” and from there the idea eventually grew into a grand tradition. The Happening takes place on the Front Lawn every year between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There will be vendors providing refreshments, entertainment, and tons of free stuff.

According to Trisha Taylor, the Administrative Assistant of Student Life, there will be between 5,000 and 6,000 students attending The Happening this year. Taylor also says that there will be approximately 130-150 on-campus organizations and departments and 130 off-campus vendors there to connect with the Valdosta State community.

Vickery says that this year’s Happening will be honoring its 25 anniversary by giving away “special prizes” to lucky students, those prizes will include brand new portable chargers that will be given away at random to the first 100 students to register for the event.

What’s really amazing about The Happening is that the event is not geared solely towards the freshman class; it is for anyone looking to get involved on-campus whether you’re a transfer student, junior, or senior. All currently enrolled VSU students are welcome to attend the event.

If you’re confused about which organizations to take a look at first, come on over to The Spectator’s tent so we can point you in the right direction!