Union students huddled around campfires and listened to live bands Nov. 2 at Casey Jones Amphitheater in Jackson for its annual Casey Jones Hullabaloo.
The event is one of the Student Activity Council’s most successful events, said Meredith Holden, co-chairwoman of Casey Jones Hullabaloo.
She explained that campus community is a main focus of SAC.
“It’s a good opportunity for everyone to get out and not have to think about tests and grades and not have to spend any money,” Holden said.
Cobbler, s’mores and hot chocolate were available at the event for free, and students also could paint pumpkins.
Ellen Cline, senior art major, has attended the Hullabaloo all four of her years at Union.
“All the things that are good about a campfire are good about Casey Jones Hullabaloo: stars, cold, music and hot chocolate,” Cline said.
Performers included Cooler in the Shade, Beau Williams, Pseudo Shark and Flying Colours.
Freshman English major Beau Williams enjoyed the opportunity to perform.
“The crowd seemed interested, and the performers felt that the crowd was really paying attention to them,” Williams said. “SAC did a really good job of putting it on and making the performers feel good and special. It was an incredible venue. The sound was really good.”
“The Hullabaloo brings everybody together because of the different performers,” Williams said, explaining that each group of performers has its own group of friends, resulting in a mixture of a broad range of students.
Jared Dauenhauer, assistant director of Student Leadership and Engagement and SAC adviser, also mentioned the variety of those in attendance.
“It’s one of the few events that attracts people from different Union groups. You see a lot of people there from numerous student organizations,” Dauenhauer said. “There’s something about being outdoors, off campus and listening to music that breaks down barriers.”
For Cline, the Casey Jones Hullabaloo is a mile marker of each year.
An important part of that experience for her has been seeing her friends perform the music, she said.
“Flying Colours are my friends,” Cline said. “So all of us, as pals, have gathered around their music for all four years – which means that now, towards the end of our time here, those gathering points feel more significant.”
Freshmen may experience the Casey Jones Hullabaloo as a new, fun thing. For many upperclassmen, however, the event is nostalgic.
“At Casey Jones, the memory bank is pretty loaded: four years’ worth of background in that exact same place,” Cline said.