Students celebrated around the bonfire after it was lit in the Tailgating lot at the stadium. PN Photo/Anayah Peterson
By: Anayah Peterson, Reporter
The bonfire wasn’t lit until 7 p.m., but the tailgate zone was rocking with music, activities and food starting at 5 p.m.
In addition to the music and food, the Pembroke Activities Council hosted games including Connect Four, Jenga and many inflatable bumper balls. These games entertained the celebrants until the Spirit Squad’s dancers and UNCP’s cheerleaders performed. The two pep squads attempted to outdo each other with enthusiasm had a standoff against one another.
A food truck provided pizza that was served like a calzone and street tacos. After 7 p.m. the leftovers were given free for students.
Later in the evening, the Spirit of the Carolinas came out to play a live performance for the audience.
The Spirit Squad danced along to the beat of the music while the Bravehawk mingled and pumped up the crowd with high energy.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement, school spirit and fun for the students.
“It’s really fun. I arrived here during the lighting of the fire,” Ericos Rios said. Rios, a junior, attended the event with several of her friends. She learned about the event through advertising on social media.
Chancellor Cummings made a brief appearance at the event. Thanking students for participating in homecoming week and for showing off their Brave spirit.
Tytianna Brandon, a senior, enjoyed participating in the event with her friends. It was not music that they would typically listen to but they enjoyed the vibe from it.
“It was fun hanging out with friends and having time out of class to relax,” Brandon said.
After the fire was lit, students were seen taking pictures by the bonfire and chatting with friends while listening to the music. Others began to head to the Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court for Moonlight Madness.