Picnic goers have their caricatures drawn.
The annual University of Missouri- St. Louis Welcome Back Picnic held August 22 from 4 to 6 p.m., was a big hit. The floor level of the Millennium Student Center and the surrounding outdoor patio was packed with faculty, students, staff and their families. When asked her opinion of the yearly picnic Monea Kimple, junior, information systems, showed approval.
“It’s a nice way for everybody to socialize,” said Kimple.
Considering the Welcome Back Picnic was the kick-off for a new school year, freshmen especially benefited from the social setting.
“I’m excited to meet many different types of people,” Mike Milda, freshman, pre-med, said.
Chartwells prepared the picnic meal. UM- St. Louis picnickers ate hamburgers, chicken breasts, baked beans and fresh fruit. Chartwells even served veggie burgers for those who did not want beef or chicken. Raspberry lemonade and ice cold water were provided to wash down the food. To top it all off, Rice Krispy treats, cookies and brownies were set out in a buffet for dessert.
Many students attended the picnic for free giveaways, such as shirts and food. Along with food and T-shirts, door prizes were available. After grabbing a T-shirt, those who attended had the option to write their names and emails on a ticket stub to be entered into a drawing for various campus gear.
EM 62 Sports set up the Rock and Roll Joust, the rush moon bounce, and the spin art stand located right outside the MSC. The group fit right in with the UM- St. Louis crowd and appeared to take pleasure in being a part of the picnic.
“We do so many places in the area. UMSL is just one of them, but we really enjoy coming out here,” Alex Kaiser, EM 62 Sports member, said.
The picnickers returned EM 62 Sports’ enthusiasm by enjoying their activities. Young men proved their strength and battle skills in the jousting ring. People of all ages jumped around in the moon bounce and children begged their parents to make spin art. Some parents made spin art along with their kids.
Other activities included the musical performances of John Rush, caricature drawings, hacky sack, volleyball and a self-serve snow cone stand. These activities appeared very popular with the crowd.
“The music is nice,” Lauren Sage, freshman, biology, said while sitting and bobbing her head.
The line for caricature drawings never ceased, the cheerleaders were seen enjoying a game of hacky sack with the school mascot Louie and almost everyone walked around munching snow cones.
The 2010 Welcome Back Picnic had a successful turnout, and many students predicted the 2011 picnic will be just as great.
“I look forward to the welcome back picnic every year,” Erika Morris, senior, secondary education major, said.