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    1. UNG
    2. News

    Starlight fireworks event scheduled for late August

    July 12, 2019
    UNG's Starlight Celebration is scheduled for Aug. 24 on the Gainesville Campus.

    Article By: Clark Leonard

    Featuring a mixture of music and family fun capped by a dazzling pyrotechnic display, the 21st annual Starlight Celebration is set for Aug. 24 on the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus.

    The event, scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the university's 2019-20 school year, will be held at the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia.

    "This is a great event to celebrate the beginning of our new academic year and bring students, alumni, faculty and staff, and the community together all at one place," said Dr. Richard Oates, vice president of UNG's Gainesville Campus.

    The event generally draws between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees. Oates said a recent survey showed more than 13,000 UNG alumni live within 25 miles of the Gainesville Campus. He hopes many of them will take this as a chance to reconnect with the university.

    Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 24 for the event full of performances from UNG students, with fireworks at dark. The rain date is Sept. 7. UNG students, alumni, faculty and staff, and community members are welcome.

    Starlight will feature performances from UNG's Low Brass Collective, Jazz Ensemble and Gainesville Theatre Alliance. The Patriot Choir will perform the national anthem, with the Color Guard presenting the colors. Clay Christy with Brick House DJs will be the event DJ.

    UNG cheerleaders, student-athletes and Nigel the Nighthawk mascot will be on hand, as well.

    Face-painting, inflatables, a play tent, and glow items will be part of the festivities. The UNG bookstore will sell merchandise, as well.

    Jack's Applewood Smoked BBQ and Frozen Frenzee sweets will be for sale. Picnics are welcome.

    Oates, who attended the event multiple times with his family before working on the Gainesville Campus, enjoys the atmosphere of Starlight.

    "We felt it was a nice family environment," Oates said. "That's the staying power this event has had over the years. It is a warm and welcoming and fun environment."

    The event is free, but parking costs $10 per car or $20 per bus, van or larger vehicle. UNG students can enter for free with a valid UNG student ID card. Oates said money from the event will help offset student financial needs.

    For the safety of guests, the following items are prohibited at Starlight: walk-ins, pets (other than service animals), sparklers or outside fireworks, grills or any open flames, political signage, advertisements, or unlawful weapons.

    Additionally, everyone is encouraged to use #UNGstarlight when sharing their photos of family, friends and fireworks during and after the event.

    For more information about Starlight, visit the Starlight Celebration event page online.

    Contact the Author

    Alumni, parents gather for fun, remembrance

    Alumni, parents gather for fun, remembrance

    Hundreds attended the annual Parent-Alumni Weekend, gathering for fun and a chance to make new memories. A color run was added to the usual events and numerous awards were bestowed on alumni and students.
    Parent-Alumni Weekend set for April 22-24

    Parent-Alumni Weekend set for April 22-24

    Parent-Alumni Weekend will feature a variety of events, including live music and military ceremonies, welcoming alumni to Dahlonega from April 22-24.
    Women of UNG award scholarships to students

    Women of UNG award scholarships to students

    Six UNG students were awarded the Women's Education Scholarship from the Women of UNG, which is a shared interest group of alumni, faculty and staff.
    College of Education earns national seal of approval

    College of Education earns national seal of approval

    UNG's College of Education earned its national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. It also earned a Level 4, or exemplary, in the Preparation Program Effectiveness Measures.

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