Friday, Sep 23, 2016
Signature Rider event featured an outdoor feast, live music, activities and games
by Michelle Wood '17
On Sept. 17, the annual welcome-back event covered the Campus Mall in a sea of cranberry and white. Students, faculty, staff and Rider families came out for a Rider tradition that featured an outdoor feast, live music, activities and games.
Traditionally held on a weekday during free periods, the 2016 Cranberry Fest marks the first time the event was held on a weekend. With no worries to attend class, the crowd was amped up with live music from the cover band Lost in Paris. In addition, the fest presented the debut of the Cranberry Harvest Party for the Broncs 21+ to enjoy a taste of Cranberry and seasonal drinks.
Attendees were also the first to hear the top 5 names for the #NameTheRiderBronc contest, which were revealed at Cranberry Fest.
Held in conjunction with Cranberry Fest this year, a ceremony and reception was also held for the opening of Rider’s new basketball practice facility on Sept. 17. Jason Thompson Court, named in honor of Jason Thompson ’08, the Rider Hall of Fame basketball player who went on to play in the NBA, was unveiled during the ceremony. The practice facility is part of the larger Campaign for Rider Athletics.