The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
The annual The Happening occurred on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on VSU’s front lawn. Celebrating its 26th anniversary, The Happening gave over 300 organizations, venders and shops the pleasure of showing the community and the university what they have to offer.
The Happening is an event that has been put on every year for the past 26 years by VSU’s Office of Student Life. This free informational event is open to the Valdosta community as well as the university’s student and staff.
“I, myself, was unaware of everything Valdosta State had to offer my first time coming,” said Marikka Floy, a junior early childhood education major and president of Caribbean student association. “For a small organization like mine, it really helps let students know we exist and also helps us get new members. “
In addition to large amounts of information, the event has options available for all ages including games, drawings and food. The Mix, a yogurt shop near campus, provided yogurt samples out of their mobile truck during The Happening.
“This was my first time going to The Happening, and I did not know it would be this big,” Kiara Clark, a junior biology major, said. “After spending most of my afternoon in the hot sun during The Happening, the yogurt samples provided by The Mix really helped with cooling down.”
Also coming out to help VSU put on this informative event were businesses, jobs and many volunteers.
Tipsy Transit, a business known well by the VSU students, was also featured at The Happening. The owner, Felix Vagner, had a lot to say about their contribution to the event every year.
“We have been participating ever since I started this business seven years ago, and I love it,” Vagner said. “It has grown so much, and there are so many businesses that support VSU. We love to be a part of it.”
Tipsy Transit supports VSU night life by supplying rides to parties and other events that occur off campus. Vagner recently opened TTransit which runs similarly to Uber but is more affordable. At The Happening, he handed out pens, coupon codes and free rides to anyone who stopped at his tent. He also informed people on how his business works.
Other places like the Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County were also at the event. They informed students about what they do and how they could contribute to their business. At their tent, they gave out informational brochures and had several sign-up sheets for volunteer opportunities they have available.
“I like The Happening because it gives us an opportunity to show students what we can do for them,” Sara Purser, operational coordinator, said. “A lot of kids need volunteer hours so we’re here to help them and in return, they are helping us.”
With the annual event hosting more and more business each year, it introduces the community to the campus. Serving all ages, this wonderful event is both fun and informative while enjoying the hot Georgia sun.
“I really enjoyed the event despite the hot weather,” Clark said. “It gave me a fill for the community and showed me that the community and the university really work hand and hand to make this event a success each year.”
Story by Briana Salem, Staff Writer.
Photos by Chloe Bradshaw
For more stories about Campus Life, look here.
