Guest post by David Dean
Thousands of students, fans, and alumni of NC State are expected to cram Hillsborough Street for the fourth annual Packapalooza block party. The family-friendly and free event will be held on Saturday, August 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Hillsborough Street will be filled with more than 200 vendors in zones focusing on art, sustainability, college life, and autograph signings by the NC State men’s basketball and football teams, among others.
Packapalooza will divide Hillsborough Street into ten zones. There will be three music stages, kids’ games, local vendors, student organizations, and appearances by various NC State athletic teams. “Packapalooza is a unique partnership between a university and business community to celebrate the beginning of school and the diversity in our community,” says Justine Hollingshead, Packapalooza planning team co-chair. “We are really excited that this is an event for everyone—students, alumni, faculty, families, and area residents.”
The evening will end with the Wolfpack Hip Hop Time Machine, which includes Rapsody and 9th Wonder, Petey Pablo, Nappy Roots, Terminator X, and DJ DVS. “The music is what usually draws a large student crowd at the end of the night, says Hollingshead. “This year’s music will be something different than years past and hopefully bring in a large age range.”
Many Hillsborough Street businesses and restaurants will be hosting specials throughout the day of Packapalooza. Additionally, there will be a section for VIP guests in front of the new Aloft Raleigh hotel on Hillsborough Street. There will also be an Alumni Zone on the corner of Chamberlain and Hillsborough, sponsored by Raleigh Brewing Company.
Visit packapalooza.ncsu.edu for more information about Packapalooza 2015, watch the Packapalooza promo video, and use the event hashtag: #Packapalooza.
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