Come rain or shine, it is time to learn the ins and outs of Portland State University this Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the annual Party in the Park.
“It’s an opportunity for people to learn everything from scholarships to the health center,” said Jon Eckman, adviser to Student Activities and Leadership Programs.
The event is primarily an opportunity for students to become involved, he said.
According to Eckman, this will be the largest Party in the Park in the history of Portland State. There will be 90 groups represented this year, whereas there were 60 last year.
The event will offer free food to students starting at 11:30 a.m.
To receive the free lunch, students must get a “passport” stamped by at least five students groups. The passports are to encourage students to go around to different groups.
Last year, there was food for 1,500 people and it ran out within 45 minutes. This year, there is food to feed even more people.
The menu will be a mix of Hawaiian food, teriyaki chicken and Kahlua pork, as well as many vegetarian options. There will also be Thai salad rolls and ice cream.
There will be musical performances by the Torres Band and Obo Addy, both of which are 10-piece festival bands.
“They should be a lot of fun,” Eckman said.
The four main sponsors of Party in the Park are the Student Fee Committee, the Diversity Action Council, the Portland State University Alumni Association and College Housing Northwest. The Student Activities and Leadership Programs Office will coordinate the event.
Dennis McCauliff, director of College Housing Northwest, said the event is a chance for students to meet key people on campus.
He also said the event is an important opportunity for residents to meet their College Housing Northwest representatives. He said this exposure is important since CHNW is a private contractor.
McCauliff will also be a guest food server.
The event will continue even if it rains Friday, Eckman said, as most of the park would be covered in canopies.