By Ana Ruiz Brictson | Staff Writer
Waco citizens enjoyed an evening of country music, food and fun Saturday night during the Stars and Stripes Music Fest at McLane Stadium.
With three talented headliners planned for the night, the Staycation event, hosted by Student Activities in hopes of getting students to stay in Waco during the Labor Day break, turned into a total success.
Baylor students were given the option of buying tickets through the school’s website with a discount. Instead of paying $30, they could pay $16 and receive a special Raising Canes Chicken Fingers dinner treat.
The event opened its doors for attendees at 5 p.m. At around 6 p.m. the National Anthem was sung and at 6:15 p.m. the opening show by Kylie Frey began. After that followed Cory Morrow at 7:45 p.m. and finally closed with the main headliner, Easton Corbin. One of the staff members at the festival estimated there were about 1,500 tickets sold.
The event took place in McLane Stadium and was not only meant to allow the public to enjoy the music offered, but it was also to present the Greater Waco Aviation Alliance’s Scholarship winners.
The scholarship was given to nine college students, both future and current, who are pursuing a degree in aviation, aerospace or engineering-related degrees.
Out of the nine scholarships given out, five of them were given to Baylor students: Seamus Lowe, Annika Moser, Jaden Marley, Isabella Capuano and Rachel Van Lear.
Arlington, Va. senior Savannah Landefeld said she enjoyed being around her fellow Baylor Bears.
“I love seeing so many Baylor students here,” Landefeld said.
When tickets were sold to students they were given the best location in the house, standing in the field front row. Many students wore their boots with their hats in order to fit in with the dress style these festivals usually go for.
Falls Church, Va. senior Isabella Marra said she missed Baylor having events for students like this. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic there has not been festivals like this in a while.
Students socializing and having a great time is what made the event a success. Even though the Stars and Stripes Music Fest was held during a long weekend with a holiday on Monday, many students still showed up to enjoy a day with their friends while listening to great artists.
