Friday marked a momentous day for the city of Macon as hundreds of students from Mercer University, Wesleyan College and Middle Georgia State University flocked to the first ever Mac Party.
Designed to introduce new students to the city of Macon, the Mac Party hosted an array of local businesses, free food and interactive games for freshmen and seniors alike. They arrived by trolley and were immediately met by a colorful arrangement of booths showcasing over two-dozen of the small-scale businesses Macon is founded on.
Students could walk through Rosa Parks Square and surrounding Third Street as they picked up free goodies, or, if feeling brave, they could try their skills on the mechanical bull provided by the Crazy Bull or take a plunge on the stunt jump ride in the distance.
When questioned about what it took to put on the event, junior Justis Ward, a volunteer for the Mac Party, says the planning began back in May and hasn’t stopped since.
“It’s definitely a city-wide effort,” Ward said. “It took a lot . . . and the vendors have been planning this for at least a month now.”
The movers and shakers behind the Mac Party put together informational materials on Macon, tickets for free food and drinks, and a scavenger hunt designed to get students into the community.
In addition to fun and games, students could sit on the lawn and listen to live music provided by Corner Concerts or stay late and take the famous ‘Rock Candy Tour’ for free—all of which introduced students to the city of Macon and to each other.
“The Mac Party is super cool. I like getting to see the different businesses and restaurants out,” Mercer freshman Emily Stepp said. “It’s cool to see everyone out here with their friends getting to meet new people.”
But the Mac Party didn’t just help freshmen get to know the city of Macon. Older attendees and volunteers got a chance to explore their home too.
“I’m a junior, and they didn’t have this last year,” Ward said. “In less than 30 minutes, I know what the feel is and got to explore the downtown area . . . [the Mac Party] is new and I love it.”
As for local businesses, many feel that the Mac Party is a great way to get students in touch with the community and introduce them to new offerings.
“A lot of Mercer students haven’t known us in the past . . . but [the Mac Party] is a good way to get our name out and it’s exciting to have the community around here to support all of the students,” Kelly Evans, of Karats and Keepsakes boutique in north Macon, said.
Even with all the fun, the purpose of the event was not lost as the Mac Party offered a place for college students from all across the city to get to know each other and their new home of Macon, Georgia.
Mac Party offers fresh view of Macon
The Student Government Organization hosts a Mac Party for Mercer students and others to come and experience what Macon has to offer.
