News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Tennessee Tech offering a new event to bring together the Cookeville community and student body in celebration of Tennessee’s College Town.
Vice President of Student Affairs Cynthia Polk-Johnson said the event will be in the style of a block party. From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 19th there will be vendors in the downtown area of Cookeville including Dogwood Park, and Cedar Avenue by the depot. She said there will be live music, food trucks, and games.
“It is part of our president’s vision to expand efforts with local businesses to get our students connected to Cookeville in a way they maybe haven’t in the past,” Polk-Johnson said. “And then introduce our new students to the sights and sounds of Cookeville in terms of eateries and shopping places.”
Polk-Johnson said College Town Kickoff is an extension of College Town Weekend, a program that started several years ago. She said the university partnered with the city to get information out about weekend events in hopes of keeping students in town over the weekend.
Polk-Johnson said there will also be plenty for families in the community to engage with as well. She said this is an awesome time for the city and the university to connect with one another and with the students.
“We know that Cookeville is Tennessee’s College Town so we continue to promote that message to our students by showing them ways to get involved,” Polk-Johnson said. “But also connecting with the local people. The people make the town. And I can tell you that having moved here a few years ago it’s just wonderful to get engaged with the community and show that this is a home away from home regardless of where you’re from.”
Polk-Johnson said no tickets are required and all you need to do is come out, get a wristband and enjoy. She said you can go to tntech.edu/collegetownkickoff for more FAQs.
