Across from a speaker-framed stage, a mix of families and students milled about Young Commons. People formed lines for food trucks and caricature portraits made by artists. Kids darted around the lawn or jumped on the bouncy house.
George Martin Jr. ‘68 came from Jacksonville, Florida for Homecoming Weekend.
“It’s wonderful, we really had nothing much like this,” Martin Jr. said. “If we had anything for Homecoming, we would have a dance in the gym after the football game, and that was about it.”
Rock the Block, a block party and concert featuring the Plain White T’s, was no gym dance. It spanned the entirety of Young Commons and blocked off East Haggard Avenue. Attendees played lawn games near the library, or sat at tables as far back as the library clockpole.
But for freshmen Anna Leniski and Lucy Morris, Rock the Block wasn’t the culmination of Elon’s growth over time. It was just something they heard about and decided to check out.
“We had known that Plain White T’s were coming here, so we were excited to see that,” Leniski said. “We’re not super familiar with them, but we are excited to hear a couple of songs that we’re familiar with. So, we’re just here to have a good time, hang out with our friends.”
Plain White T’s lead vocalist Tom Higgenson throws up a peace sign mid-performance at Homecoming Weekend’s Rock the Block on Oct. 10.
Morris had known about Rock the Block for months.
“I just remember they posted a big reveal back in early August, so I remember saying to my mom, like, ‘Oh, this is something I’m looking forward to when I get to Elon,’” Morris said.
Leniski and Morris both said they were excited to have the chance to talk to alums.
“It’s surprising that both current students and alumni get to come together like this and, you know, celebrate and have fun,” Leniski said.
Mia Alberto, a Burlington resident, came to Rock the Block with her family.
“I grew up here. Both of my parents are alumni, and my brother is an alumni, so just something fun to do Friday night in Burlington,” Alberto said.