Saddle up, Huskies! On Friday, the wild west rode into DeKalb and students showed up ready for a good time. The Huskie Hoedown, a western-themed event, had students in cowboy hats and boots filling MLK Commons.
The Campus Activities Board event featured a DJ with line dancing, a cowboy hat-making station, a mechanical bull and a food truck.
Though the temperature was high and the sun was bright, students came to the activities, with the mechanical bull and line dancing drawing large crowds. While some students sat at the shaded tables to escape the sun, many joined in choreographed dances.
For many, the appeal of the event was the opportunity to try something new, particularly the challenge of staying on the mechanical bull.
First-year psychology major Rebecca Chu agreed that bull riding was her favorite part of the night.
“If you don’t come, you miss getting to spend time with your friends and trying new things,” said Chu.
First-year nursing major Jessica Adams, who also enjoyed the mechanical bull the most, said she appreciated the event was free.
“It’s cool if you are more of a homebody and didn’t really want to come out, but you might as well, it’s free,” she said.
The western atmosphere extended to student fashion as well, with many decked out in denim, plaid shirts, cowboy boots and hats. A constant crowd was at the hat-making station, where students added gemstones, tassels and fabric to their hats, creating personalized souvenirs from the night.
Beyond the specific activities, students said the event was a welcome break and an important part of the campus experience.
First-year pre-physical therapy major Makayla Undesser said she was happy the university took the time to create special events.
“It’s cool that they organize stuff like this, and it’s not just boring stuff,” she said.
Gabriel Colin, a freshman communications major with an emphasis in media studies agreed, noting that such gatherings are a positive way to build community.
“It’s nice that we get to do things like this, and have this kind of stuff every now and then,” Colin said.
The Huskie Hoedown gave students a chance to enjoy a novel campus experience together. The event brought students together, creating a sense of community and providing a memorable night of entertainment, showing that for Huskies, the fun never ends.
The Campus Activities Board will host the Third Annual Homecoming Kickoff on Sept. 29.
