Longwood has many traditions in the fall semester, and Rock the Block is sort of the kick off of it all. This year was especially different, this being the 175th year of Longwood, complete with celebrations and giveaways. This fifth annual Rock the Block celebration took place on Sept.
20. Rock the Block is a different kind of event; it brings together the students of Longwood and the local business community in and around Farmville. People are able to walk around the Landings parking lots, see all the different colors and experience the many different tables covered with free goodies.
Taking pictures at Rock the Block has been a tradition, and this year the Office of Public Relations sponsored a photo challenge. If you took a photo or video at Rock the Block, you could hashtag #RTB2013 on most social media sites and enter for the chance to win a Longwood 175 T-shirt.
Eric Wulff, a local employee in Blackstone, said that this year looked and seemed more crowded than years past. Other people mentioned it, as well.
There were long lines for small carnival rides and games with the chances to win bouquets of roses and other fun prizes. The mechanical bull was a hit, as were new added food trucks, as well as a young man walking around with his pet, a very colorful parrot that thrilled visitors of all ages.
Among the many different businesses present were Sunchase Cinema 8, Sweet Frog, Awesome Party Supplies & Event Rentals, Rochette’s Florist and Yardscapes & Gifts.
“Yardscapes & Gifts can do a little bit of everything. They can do landscaping for you, and they sell mulch and other decorations for your yard, such as flowers. They can also sell gift items,” stated Morgan, an employee at Yardscapes & Gifts.
They have been participating at Rock the Block for four out of the five years it has been going on.
“We only missed last year, but decided to come back this year because we've heard about how much it has grown, and we also liked the fact that it was on Parent's Weekend,” Morgan said.
They not only had business venues, but they also had games and activities for all to participate in. They had activities like the Orbitron and a money machine.
The money machine did not give out real money, but it was fake money that you could then redeem for certain prizes, including small ducks that were incredibly popular, inflatable guitars and animals, and three large prizes that were won very quickly.
There was also a wrecking ball game; it was as simple as it sounds but very fun.
Near the money machine and mechanical bull was an exercise group who called themselves CrossFit.
It was a way to encourage people to exercise. They had different stations for you to do, including everything from jump ropes to climbing stairs.
This group was also very active throughout the event, blaring music that kept the tempo high in the corner near the bank.
Another fun ride was called Log Slammer. “All participants have to stand on stumps, and the logs twirl around, and they have to run, jump or do whatever they have to do [in order to] avoid the logs,” said Diane, the line monitor for the Log Slammer.
There was also face painting, cornhole games and even a putt- putt green. There was the new element of the food trucks that offered funnel cakes and other carnival foods. Farmville Sweet Shoppe was giving out cotton candy.
The food this year “was set up much better” said senior Casey Doerfler, who spent the event walking around and getting signatures for her internship for the Student Alumni table.
This year, students had the chance to go to different stations sponsored by ARAMARK Dining Services. This made the lines much more tolerable, according to Doerfler.
Also, after grabbing your food and beating long lines, you could have a seat on the lawn and listen to the two bands that were performing.
They both made reappearances from last year's Rock the Block. Their names were Against Grace, which was the opening act, and Snackbar Jones, who was the headliner band.
Rock the Block is a great event that brings Longwood students together with the Town of Farmville. It is fun for all ages, and this year was the starting point for a year of celebrations for Longwood 175.
Last Friday was a night of fun, learning about opportunities and a way for both the students and the businesses to get their names promoted to each other.
The businesses started packing up around 8:30 p.m., and when the clock struck 9:00, the celebration was brought to a close with a spectacular fireworks show.
Students sign up for the night's raffle, which included an iPad.
