By Katie Mahaffey | Broadcast Reporter

Students got a chance to get away from schoolwork and float on Waco’s Brazos River during the first annual Brazos River Float. The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce held this event in order to get students engaged in the Waco community.
“One of our strategic initiatives is to help retain college students within our community. Having a really well-educated workforce is important to us and it’s a major economic driver,” Kris Collins, Senior Vice President-Economic Development of Greater Waco Chamber, said.
The Waco Chamber of Commerce wants Baylor students to stay in the area after they graduate. Students lined up at Indian Springs park at the Suspension Bridge around 1 p.m. on Saturday. This event drew a large crowd because of the free shirts and prizes that were given to the first 500 students who arrived.
“I heard there was a free shirt and some free stuff, and I was like ‘I need another shirt’,” Waco freshman Jacob Dunn said.
There was also a free fish fry lunch provided by Buzzard Billy’s Swamp Shack. The entertainment included a DJ who played music as the students relaxed on the water. There was also a rock wall, a laser trailer and multiple games.
“I came out for good vibes, good food,” Richardson senior Danger Downey said.
This event required weeks of preparation and numerous volunteers, and took place on September 3, 2016.