With the aim of making new and returning college students quickly feel at home, members of the Brick District are planning a special event, according to Callaway Bank's Debbie LaRue, event co-organizer.
The third annual Brick Blast activity will be 4-7 p.m. Sept. 8 in downtown Fulton, said LaRue, who is working with co-organizer Shawna Brunf, of Playhouse Bistro.
"It's a Brick District event to welcome our college students to town," LaRue said. "We in the Brick District firmly believe we can play a vital role in helping our students become acclimated to Fulton."
On Tuesday night, LaRue received permission from the Fulton City Council to close Court Street between Fifth and Sixth streets for the event. A DJ will provide music and local restaurants will offer food, she said, adding there will also be opportunities to win T-shirts.
"There will be a scavenger hunt, which will help to take them (the students) into certain stores or to meet the mayor," LaRue said. "We have also asked the Westminster and William Woods presidents to address the student bodies."
By giving college students from William Woods University and Westminster College a cordial introduction, LaRue said it's hoped they will be comfortable here throughout their college careers.
"We can be a strong partner to William Woods and Westminster for retention, if they have a good experience - we believe we can play an active role for the students to have a good experience," she said
Westminster College expects 300 new students this fall, while William Woods could have about 280.