KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney is taking its back-to-school bash to another level.
UNK and the Hilltop Mall are hosting a new community celebration later this month featuring food trucks, games, a DJ and the city’s first-ever drone show.
The Loper Lot Party is scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at the Hilltop Mall parking lot, 5011 Second Ave. All students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to the free event.
“Students are more successful when they find their way to belong. Events like the Loper Lot Party encourage students to connect with each other and the Kearney community, helping them find where they belong,” said Kelly Tuttle Krahling, assistant director of student and family transitions and leadership.
“I’m excited to see the students connect, reconnect and celebrate being back at UNK and in Kearney,” she added. “It is always amazing to me to see the Kearney community embrace and welcome our students.”
Kicking off the fall semester, which begins Aug. 26, the Loper Lot Party is a family-friendly event designed to bring people of all ages together. It includes two escape rooms, an axe-throwing trailer, miniature golf, bingo, cornhole and giant Jenga, Connect Four, checkers and Yahtzee, along with other games and activities.
Music will be provided by DJ Matthew Hahn, and the following food trucks will be on site:
- Navarrete’s Tacos
- Bayou Bites
- Ra Ca’s Food Service
- Lolita’s Tacos
- Special Scoops Ice Cream
- Budda’s Meats
- Lemony Split Lemonade
- Popsi Co. Frozen Treats
- El Sazon Taquizas
- Melty Wagon
Several businesses inside the mall are also participating by creating fun backdrops in their window displays for attendees to take photos with.
The evening will conclude with an unforgettable drone show designed by Fantasy Drone Shows. Based in Norfolk, Fantasy Drone Shows has created dazzling displays for events across the country, including Volleyball Day in Nebraska at Memorial Stadium.
“Kearney has never hosted a drone show. It is going to be a spectacular end to the night and definite highlight,” said Kyle Means, UNK’s marketing director. “The show will feature personalized displays celebrating UNK, the Lopers and our community, creating a unique and memorable experience for everyone.”
In addition to the Loper Lot Party, UNK will host its traditional Blue Gold Welcome events on campus. Those festivities begin Aug. 23, when more than 2,000 people are expected to attend the annual Blue Gold Showcase. Scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on the campus greens near Cope Fountain, this iconic event also brings students, staff, faculty and community members together for an evening of fun, food and entertainment.
