Longwood students, faculty, and the Farmville community gathered at the Longwood Landings for the annual Rock the Block event this past Friday evening.
This was the 6th year that Longwood University has teamed up with the Town of Farmville to host a block party for everyone to enjoy. Student, Kristen Purdue, stated, “I was excited to check out the tables, see a cool band, and eat awesome food.” There was a variety of food provided by Longwood Dining Services, live music, countless vendors, different activities, and even fireworks.
The different activities there included a mechanical bull, chair spinner, video games, face paint, and multiple bouncy houses with different obstacles. Rock the Block volunteer, Kelly Rohoades, explained how it wasn’t hard to play any of the activities provided. Rohoades said, “All you have to do is go up to the blue tent and sign a waiver to receive a wristband; it’s free to everyone!”
Longwood student, Carlos Canas, took advantage of the activities provided at Rock the Block.
He stated, “I came last year and played Pac man and the bouncy thing. This year my favorite thing to do has been the mechanical bull. It was really hard and messed up my hands, but I would definitely do it again, I’d just wear gloves next time!”
Other people came to see the band, Snackbar Jones, play while they ate dinner. Student, Edwin Hasic, stated, “My favorite part of Rock the Block is the live music.” He went on to say, “The food is normal dhall food, but it’s still a close second.” Longwood Dining Services provided chicken and pork barbeque, hamburgers, hotdogs, corn dogs, cookies, and rice crispy treats, along with water and lemonade to drink.
Numerous vendors were ready to hand out free items after people finished eating and began to walk around. Some of the vendors that had a table this year were Relay for Life, Moton Museum, Mobile Boutik, Lancer Lunatics, State Farm, and the Big South Network. Free coupons, cups, and even products were distributed throughout the evening.
The Big South Network was one of the vendors that handed out the more big-ticket items. Big South Network employee, Fletcher Jones, stated, “Although this is not the first time that the Big South has attended Rock the Block, we chose this year to partner up with Kangaroo Express, Utz, and State Farm. We wanted to get involved with students on campus and give them free stuff.” They asked students to download the Kangaroo Express app and apply for a scholarship in return for their choice of a cell phone case, cell phone charger, or car charger. Hasic was onboard with Big South’s decision as he stated, “I’m really excited to get a free Duracell battery phone charger!”
The Rock the Block event ended with fireworks that left students, faculty, and the Farmville community smiling as they walked away with bags full of free items. Purdue, stated, “I love how all the grades are able to come hangout together in a fun environment.”
