KEARNEY – Live music, food trucks and a drone show are all part of the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s back-to-school celebration.
The festivities are highlighted by the return of the Loper Lot Party, a community event scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 27 at Yanney Park.
It features live music from the Kyle Sayler Band, yard games, bingo, kayaking, paddleboarding, mini-game challenges with prizes and other fun activities.
The following food trucks will also be on site:
- Melty Wagon
- Hangries
- Ronda and Terry’s Funky Monkey Shaved Ice and More
- Never Enough Q
- Las Lupitas “The Pupusa House”
- Nacho’s Tacos
- MKS Ice Cream
- Budda’s Meats
- Lemony Split
The evening concludes with a drone show that will fill the night sky with dazzling displays celebrating UNK, the Lopers and broader Kearney community. It’s expected to begin around 8:45 p.m. and last approximately 15 minutes.
Last year’s Loper Lot Party included the city’s first-ever drone show, and it was so popular organizers decided to showcase a new version for the upcoming event.
“The drone show was an absolute hit during our inaugural Loper Lot Party. It created such a memorable experience for attendees while showcasing our school spirit and community pride in a unique way,” said Todd Gottula, UNK’s senior director of communications and marketing. “We’re excited to light up the sky again this year and give people another unforgettable way to kick off the school year. Come out to Yanney Park and see what we have in store.”
The drone show features a variety of personalized images and animations, all synchronized to music. It’s designed by Fantasy Drone Shows, a Norfolk-based company that’s created displays for clients across the country, including the Nebraska State Fair, Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium, U.S. Naval Academy, Caesars Virginia and the former Tropicana hotel and casino in Las Vegas.
A family-friendly event, the Loper Lot Party is open to all students, staff, faculty and community members. There is no cost for admission.
Parking is available at Yanney Park, and a shuttle service will be provided for UNK students from 6 to 9:30 p.m. with a pickup location at the northwest corner of the Nebraskan Student Union.
BLUE GOLD SHOWCASE
Before fall classes begin Monday, UNK will celebrate its new and returning students during the traditional Blue Gold Welcome events on campus.
The annual Blue Gold Showcase is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the campus greens near Cope Fountain. This popular event typically draws a crowd of more than 2,000 people, bringing students, staff, faculty and community members together for an evening of food, fun and entertainment.
Over 180 businesses, campus organizations and other exhibitors are expected to participate, giving attendees a chance to explore everything UNK and Kearney have to offer. There will be a variety of games and activities, as well as product giveaways and prizes. Many vendors also have job opportunities for students.
Chancellor Neal Schnoor will host a community picnic from 5:30 to 7 p.m. that day as part of the showcase, and the UNK Pride of the Plains Marching Band will perform an exhibition at 7:30 p.m. on Foster Field.
All of these events are free and open to the public.
For UNK students, Friday evening’s fun concludes with a party at Cope Fountain featuring DJ Joey. That event begins at 9 p.m. Additional activities, including a class photo, faculty panel, Loper field day, campus scavenger hunt and Meet the Greeks event, are planned for Saturday.
“Blue Gold Welcome isn’t just an orientation; it’s the start of a student’s UNK story. We want every moment, from convocation to the Loper Lot Party, to build connections, spark school pride and set the tone for an incredible year ahead,” said DJ Hardwick, assistant director of UNK Student and Family Transitions. “Our entire team is excited to welcome incoming students and make UNK feel like home for them from Day 1.”
