DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Millikin University kicked off its inaugural "Milli-Fest" after students spent a semester planning and organizing the event.
"Milli-Fest" was created in the event planning course, and students enrolled in the course have spent the entire semester building their skills to host this large-scale event.
Molly Berry is the Interim Vice President of Admission and Student Affairs, and is also the adjunct professor instructing the Event Planning course.
"This is a great class example of how performance-based learning is working in their favor. So they get to plan these events now. They can learn from their mistakes. They can celebrate their success, and they can move forward," she said.
"Milli-Fest" is meant to merge performance learning with community outreach and fun. It is a collaborative effort between students, faculty and campus partners. Students lead event logistics, vendor coordination, marketing and on-site execution.Â
"Millikin depends on Decatur. So the connection to the community has always been important to us, even if it hasn't felt that way. And so this year has been all about reengaging with the Decatur and local Central Illinois community in a deeper way. And so 'Milli-Fest' is just part of that celebration," Berry said.
There will be a community celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 18, including a vendor and maker's market featuring local and regional businesses, food trucks and specialty vendors, inflatables and family-friendly games, a "Touch-a-Truck" experience with emergency and service vehicles, and interactive activities like face painting and hands-on crafts.Â
From 6-9 p.m. Saturday, there will be a "Student Night Experience." The college-focused atmosphere will have entertainment and activities for Millikin students and college-aged guests, including a mechanical bull, tie-dye shirts, a photo booth, henna, tarot readings and limited free food truck tickets for the first 50 guests.
Admission is free and open to the public.
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