The University of North Georgia is welcoming UNG students, faculty, staff, and the community to meet the new UNG president Michael Shannon and members of UNG's national champion softball team at the annual Starlight Celebration and fireworks event.
Sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Health System, the Starlight Celebration will be August 26 as an event for UNG’s Gainesville Campus. Gates will open at 6 p.m. at the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia with fireworks at dark.
In a press release, President Shannon expressed his excitement for the event.
"I look forward to taking part in this longtime UNG tradition and meeting more of our UNG family," Shannon said. "We invite students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy this special evening on the Gainesville Campus."
Shannon officially took over as President at UNG on July 1.
The UNG softball team won its second NCAA Division II national championship in May, completing a 64-win season in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Head coach Mike Davenport and returning players for the Nighthawks will be in attendance at Starlight with their championship trophy to meet fans and help kick off the 2023-24 academic year.
Attendees can look forward to a balloon artist, face painting, a play tent for children, and a glow tent. Nigel the Nighthawk, UNG's mascot will also be in the crowd along with UNG student-athletes and cheerleaders.
The catered event will sell Applewood smoked pulled pork, Brunswick stew, chicken tenders, slaw, pasta salad, chips, brownies, and cookies. Frozen Frenzee will sell snow cones and coffee. Attendees are also welcomed to bring their own picnics.
"Starlight is always a wonderful event that adds to the excitement of the beginning of a new school year," Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of regional campuses, said.
The event is free to enter, but parking will cost $10 per car or $20 per bus, van or larger vehicle. UNG students can enter for free with a valid UNG student ID card. No walk-ins are permitted. Proceeds from the event help offset student financial needs.
The UNG Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the Corps of Cadets Color Guard will present the colors. The UNG Licklog String Band will also perform.
Clay Christy of Brickhouse Mobile DJs will serve as the event DJ.
UNG said that pets that are not service animals, sparklers or outside fireworks, and grills or any open flames, political signage, advertisements, or unlawful weapons are all prohibited at the event.
Everyone is encouraged to use For more information about Starlight, visit the Starlight Celebration and fireworks event webpage.
