Mainstage 2015 expects 10,000 in attendance
Back to kick off the school year, Mainstage 2015 promises to draw in a crowd in the thousands on Saturday.
Damon Brown, director of the Office of Student Activities and Involvement, said Mainstage is a great way for students to learn how to get involved on campus.
“Mainstage is a great opportunity for students to become exposed to what CMU has to offer,” Brown said. “It’s a way for students to see all of the many student organizations, departments and community partners that we have that help make CMU such a great place.”
Last year, roughly 375 student organizations were present at Mainstage. Brown expects at least 10,000 people to attend.
Program Coordinator Crystal Hutson said this year’s event will be comparable to last year in the number of booths.
“All of our registered student organizations have the ability to sign up,” Hutson said. “So anything from the Quidditch Club to (local) business organizations like Walmart, Meijer, salons or tanning places – it’s a variety of (booths) set up.”
Mainstage will take place in parking lot 62 East, located between Rose ponds and Kelly/Shorts Stadium.
Brown said the business booths serve as a way to expose students to the surrounding community.
“There are a lot of services that students in the community can use, whether it’s restaurants, hair salons and supplies or stores to shop at,” Brown said. “It’s a great opportunity for the businesses to come out and connect with students as well.”
Unlike previous years, there will be no concert to conclude the weekend events.
“Program Board made the decision that due to finances we had to decide to not offer (a) concert this year,” Brown said. “We want to try and do something maybe every other year that’s kind of unique and cool. That way, each year (Mainstage) is something different.”
Program Board President Kaylee Bloom said incoming freshman especially should use Mainstage as a way to dive into life at CMU.
“The importance of getting involved on our campus is tremendous since there are so many registered student organizations. There’s something here for absolutely everyone,” Bloom said. “It’s worth it to fight through the sweat, grab some free stuff, and network as much as possible.”
“Mainstage has really taken off,” Brown said. “It’s an event that students really enjoy and the campus community enjoys as well because it’s a great way to signal the start of a new year. Mainstage has always been central to CMU.”
