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Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ welcomes students, community for Starlight

August 7, 2023
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to the Starlight fireworks on Aug. 26 at the Gainesville Campus, where they can also meet President Michael Shannon and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's national champion softball team.

Article By: Clark Leonard

University of North Georgia (Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ) students, faculty, staff, and community members will have a chance to meet new Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ President Michael Shannon and members of Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's national champion softball team at the annual Starlight Celebration and fireworks event on Aug. 26. Northeast Georgia Health System is the presenting sponsor for Starlight.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. for the event at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Gainesville Campus with fireworks at dark. All activities will take place in the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia. 

Shannon started at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ on July 1.  

"I look forward to taking part in this longtime Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ tradition and meeting more of our Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ softball program won its second NCAA Division II national championship May 31, completing a 64-win season in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Head coach and returning players for the Nighthawks will be in attendance at Starlight with their championship trophy to meet fans and help kick off the 2023-24 academic year.

I look forward to taking part in this longtime Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ tradition and meeting more of our Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ family. We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus.

Dr. Michael Shannon

Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ president

All Catered Events will sell Applewood smoked pulled pork, Brunswick stew, chicken tenders, slaw, pasta salad, chips, brownies, and cookies. Frozen Frenzee will sell snow cones and coffee. Attendees may also bring their own picnics.

The fun includes a balloon artist, face painting, a play tent for children, and a glow tent. Nigel the Nighthawk, Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's mascot and always a crowd favorite, will again be present along with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ student-athletes and cheerleaders.  

"Starlight is always a wonderful event that adds to the excitement of the beginning of a new school year," Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of regional campuses, said.

The event is free, but parking costs $10 per car or $20 per bus, van or larger vehicle. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ students can enter for free with a valid Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.

The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Licklog String Band will also perform.

Clay Christy of Brickhouse Mobile DJs will serve as the event DJ.

The following items are prohibited at Starlight: walk-ins, pets (other than service animals), sparklers or outside fireworks, grills or any open flames, political signage, advertisements, or unlawful weapons.

Additionally, everyone is encouraged to use #Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµstarlight when sharing their photos of family, friends and fireworks during and after the event.

For more information about Starlight, visit the Starlight Celebration and fireworks event webpage.


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