Though sometimes a forgotten fixture in the backdrop of NC State’s campus, Hillsborough Street transforms during Packapalooza, as it becomes infused with a vibrant energy. In the midst of constant music above frequent yells of, “free snow cones” and between the sea of red and white tents, students, families and alumni made new connections, rediscovered old ones and were reminded of what it’s like to be a part of the Pack.
This year’s annual festival, which was held on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2-10 p.m., had something special for every attendee. Those who bleed red and white were met with multiple tents overflowing with NC State gear and the chance to meet NC State’s very own mascots Mr. and Mrs. Wuf, while those interested in getting plugged in to campus opportunities could visit student club tents that showcased everything from tortoises and snakes to inflatable doughnuts.
Simply walking down the street, people passed through eight different “zones,” herds of NC State student athletes and a number of performers and interactive exhibits. A small model of the NC State Belltower — one of the most popular exhibits in the Art Zone — invited several passersby to paint their own unique artwork on the piece.
NC State police officers rode on horseback in the Pack Pride Zone, which also featured a seatbelt safety demonstration resembling a roller coaster ride. Further down Hillsborough Street, students made sanitation kits and seed balls — handmade mixtures of clay, dirt and plant seeds for conservation efforts — as part of the “Be a Hero” project, put on by volunteering outreach program Activate Good.
“My RA told me about the event,” said Jake Castelino, a first-year studying engineering. “I love the energy of the event; I especially liked the National Guard obstacle course.”
Throughout all the zones, student organizations and college departments interacted with students in hopes of connecting students to the NC State community.
“I knew it was going to be a huge festival,” said Abigale Hughes, a first-year in the college of sciences. “It’s cool to see all of the types of people and organizations that you can get involved with.”
Despite temperatures that reached the mid-90’s, over 10,000 people attended the event and were able to learn about and connect with 318 booths manned by student organizations, local businesses and more.
To stave off the impressive heat, attendees could cool off on the inflatable waterslide or slip and slide in the play zone, and enjoy an always-popular pineapple drink or refreshing sip from one of the two water stations.
Although NC State students and clubs occupied much of the event space, Hillsborough Street merchants such as High Life and Freshii also took advantage of the high traffic area by offering complimentary samples and discounts.
A few new faces from the upcoming La Stella Wood Fired, which will replace H-Street Kitchen, also joined in on the festivities handing out free slices of pizza and talking about the new restaurant, which will include live music three nights a week and two 7,000-pound wood-fired ovens.
Even though food, t-shirts, fans and koozies are often the most popular Packapalooza giveaway items, establishments like Sam and Bill’s Hair Design did not let that stop them from joining in on the fun. Throughout the day they added even more color to the event by dying temporary red streaks into a number of attendee’s hair.
The night ended with a high-energy performance from the Spin Doctors, complete with crowd-surfing from Mr. and Mrs. Wuf, plenty of intricate guitar solos and, of course, fireworks lighting up the sky above a bright red Belltower.
While Hillsborough Street is usually full of students lazily grabbing coffee before class, or typing away at assignments amidst the constant hum of construction noise, Packapalooza took over the street with fresh enthusiasm for the new school year, emulating a strong sense of Wolfpack pride.
