Elon community prepares to 'Rock the Block' at Homecoming 2016

The new Friday night celebration is designed to cater to all ages, with a variety of food and entertainment options. 

Elon Homecoming weekend entertainment options are expanding this year with a new Rock the Block celebration on Friday, Oct. 21, for members of the Elon community of all ages.  

Elon is creating its own “fair-like” environment on Young Commons and surrounding areas, with East Haggard Avenue to close from 3:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. to accommodate all the activity. From 5 to 9 p.m., Rock the Block will feature a variety of music, games, food and drink. 

“The more programming we can have to appeal to everyone, the better,” said Jill Hollis, assistant director of Homecoming and special events. “We wanted to build an environment where people can make of it what they want.”

A stage erected next to East Haggard Avenue in front of the Alamance Building and facing Young Commons will host party band Six Stylez from Greensboro. Young Commons will host various inflatables for children and include a variety of lawn games for all ages. 

A lineup of food trucks will be on hand for Rock the Block, along with two beer gardens. All other activities are free, including kettle corn and funnel cakes from vendors, Hollis said. 

Those alums returning to Elon for the weekend can head to the Reunion HQ, a gathering place for those celebrating special Elon milestones with old yearbooks and photos along with a photo booth stocked with props. 

But the activities aren’t just for alums, Hollis said. The idea is that Rock the Block will attract current students, faculty and staff, too. 

“We’re hoping people use it as a meeting spot and a location to gather,” Hollis said. 

For more information about the lineup of activities for the weekend, visit Elon’s Homecoming site.