ETSU’s 13th annual Block Party kicked off Welcome Week on Sunday, Aug. 25, in the Tri-Hall Field for students to celebrate before classes started.

Campus Rec and the Department of Housing and Residence Life organized the Block Party for students. This is the thirteenth year of the Block Party making it an even older tradition than the whole of Welcome Week.

Several ETSU campus ministries helped with the event such as Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM), The Well and Campus House. These organizations set up tents and activities throughout the field. The event served as a way for these organizations to network and connect with students, returning and new.

Photo of snow cones served by Younglife at the ETSU Block Party. (Dora Mercado/East Tennessean)

“The Block Party is a great way to help students relax, destress and have fun before the semester starts,” said Associate Director of the Department of Housing and Residence Life Dr. Adrianna Guram.

The event had several games and events for students to play such as cornhole, spike ball and dancing as well as giveaways and prizes for students to win.

Photo of students dancing at the Block Party. (Dora Mercado/East Tennessean)

The rest of Welcome Week is also full of events and celebrations for the start of the semester.

On Monday, the Dip Into Leadership & Community event occurred in the University Commons from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Tuesday saw two events on the second day of classes: Scoop on Faith, Service & Impact in Borchuck Plaza from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the Campus Rec & SGA Pool Party with Sports and Wellness Showcase at 6 p.m. in the Basler Center for Physical Activity (CPA).

Halfway through the week, Wednesday featured the ETSU PRIDE Community Showcase at the Borchuck Plaza from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. as well as the ROTC 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at the CPA from 5-7 p.m.

On Thursday there will be the Arts and Cultural Remix from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Pride Lawn.

During the last day of Welcome Week, there will be the Academic & Honors Campus Roundup once again at the Pride Lawn from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to finish off the celebrations.

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