Second annual Gobblerfest slated for Aug. 28

Virginia Tech’s University Unions and Student Activities has announced the date for the second annual Gobblerfest, a street fair to welcome new and returning students to the Hokie community.

Gobblerfest will be held Friday, Aug. 28 from 2 p.m. to midnight outside of Squires Student Center and the Graduate Life Center on the university’s main campus, and up College Avenue into the downtown Blacksburg business district. The event, a part of Hokie Hi, is free, and students, staff, faculty, and community members are encouraged to attend.

The event will include games, carnival food, prizes, a business expo, VT-ENGAGE volunteer fair, student organization showcase, music, and the Class of 2011 Kickoff Concert and Pep Rally.

“During the first Gobblerfest, more than 12,000 students and community members came to learn what local businesses have to offer, how they could get involved in student organizations, and what volunteer opportunities are in our community,” said Greg Beecher, University Unions and Student Activities associate director for administrative services and head of the Gobblerfest planning committee. “Gobblerfest proved to be a wonderful way to welcome new and returning members of the [Virginia Tech] and Blacksburg community to the Hokie neighborhood in a fun and festive atmosphere. Everyone is welcome!”

Online registration for Gobblerfest 2009 can be found on the Gobblerfest website. Businesses, Virginia Tech departments, student organizations, non-profits are encouraged to register now for the event. The Gobblerfest website also includes photos of last year’s event.

The Gobblerfest planning committee includes representatives of a variety of groups and organizations, including University Unions and Student Activities, VT-ENGAGE, the Graduate School at Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Student Alumni Associates, the Class of 2011, the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, the Town of Blacksburg, the Downtown Merchants of Blacksburg, the Division of Student Affairs, the Campus Alcohol Abuse and Prevention Center, University Libraries, the Dean of Students office, the Office for Equity and Inclusion, Multicultural Programs and Services, and Housing and Residence Life.

“We have a broad range of people coming together to build on the tradition of saying, ‘Welcome to the Hokie neighborhood!’ at the beginning of the academic year,” said Beecher.