Main Stage to take place in-person Aug. 29
It has been two years since Central Michigan University students were last able to experience Main Stage’s full capacity: as a sprawling landscape of tables where everyone can find organizations to get involved in, meet new people and walk away with free food and merchandise.
The annual event will take place Aug. 29 from 4-7 p.m. along Franklin Street in front of the Charles V. Park Library. The space will allow up to 200 organizations, but groups not affiliated with CMU will not be included to prevent potential COVID-19 risks.
There will be alternatives for non-CMU vendors to advertise through a media package in partnership with Central Michigan Life. More information can be found on the Main Stage website.
Types of organizations that will be at Main Stage will include Greek Life, club sports, academic groups, multicultural and international groups, political organizations, performance groups, special interest—such as squirrel watching—and many more.
The deadline for organizations to register is Aug. 25 at 11:45 p.m. and there are still over 100 openings.
Students will be able to check in to the event using a QR code, which will also allow them to register for giveaways on CMU Bookstore merchandise.
Associate Director of Student Involvement and Organizations Molly Shuneman said this year’s Main Stage will still be different, despite a return to the in-person format. Music performances will all be from CMU groups, including acapella and dance, and food will not be offered.
“It’s going to be way more engaging than 2020, but it’ll still have the same vibe as 2019, being outdoors and in person,” Schuneman said. “It’s going to bring back a piece of normalcy to CMU and I think that is kind of what a lot of students are craving.”
Students who are not able to attend Main Stage can set up a meeting with a peer involvement advisor to learn more about getting involved with organizations at CMU.
Schuneman said COVID-19 protocol for the event will follow CMU Health and Safety guidelines, which currently states that mask are not required at outdoor gatherings, but recommends physical distancing where possible.
