With live music from the North Carolina Brass Band, prize drawings and free refreshments, Elon showed its appreciation to its staff, faculty and community with the Summer Concert and Picnic.
Dozens in the Elon community gathered at the Martin Alumni Center lawn for live music, food and treats, and fellowship during the Summer Concert and Picnic for the community on Wednesday, June 15.
Those in attendance, shaded by Elon’s iconic oak trees on a scorching day, enjoyed live music from the North Carolina Brass Band who played scores to popular films such as “Harry Potter” and “Jurassic Park,” snow cones provided by Pelican’s SnoBalls, and a raffle for prizes.
“I’m very appreciative of things like this,” said Eric Biebel, a staff member with Facilities Management. “It’s a nice free lunch, background music in the shade and you get to talk with some people you usually don’t get to see.”
Matt Creeron, director of athletics development, echoed Biebel’s appreciation to Elon for putting on such an event for its employees and their families, as well as the surrounding community.
“It truly shows how much they care and how much they appreciate all that we do for our students,” Creeron said. “You can’t beat live music on the beautiful Elon campus. What a better way for the school to say thank you to the staff and faculty for all our hard work.”
The concert and picnic, which were sponsored by the Office of the President, were a celebration for the entire community, with all invited to join in the fun. Greensboro residents John Sink and Mary Susan Ross heard about the concert through Facebook and decided that the 20-odd mile trek was worth it. And they were not disappointed. From the brass band’s performances, under the direction of Brian Meixner, to the location of the concert amazed them both.
“I’ve been impressed by the whole scene and how well it was set up,” Sink said. “I think Elon is great for the community.”
“I love the music and the venue is fabulous,” Ross said.
Retired Elon faculty member Don Grady said the concert provides an opportunity to reconnect with old colleagues and friends, after missing last year’s concert. “My favorite part is seeing faces I haven’t seen in many years,” Grady said. “It’s a great way to bring all parts of the campus together.”