PHOTOS: McPherson College back to school bash brings students, clubs and businesses together

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The McPherson College Back-to-School Extravaganza kicked off the semester for students and local businesses alike on Monday, Aug. 17.

“This is actually one of the larger events that we have on campus this early on in the year,” Gavin Barnett, who helps lead the esports club at McPherson College, said.

Students who attended could use a drink truck outside, which provided lemonade and dirty sodas to all. Many downtown local businesses came to the event, giving away prizes and sharing information with students. People’s Bank and Trust, The Locker Room, Crosspoint Church, and the Chamber of Commerce were among the local organizations in attendance.

One business, American Family Insurance, was there to educate students about different types of insurance.

“We’re here because we sell renters insurance and life insurance for kids, and so I think it’s very important for them to realize at a young age that they need those things,” Tiffany Neel, a representative for American Family Insurance, said.

Students were also abuzz as they wandered from table to table manned by campus clubs, like the esports computer game club at McPherson College. For some booths, this is new; for others, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. For the American Family Insurance table, this was an eye-opening experience.

“This is my first time, and I’m surprised by how busy this is,” Neel said.

The esports club was one of the tables with experience in this type of event.

“These events are not really new to us; it’s actually our third time coming to these and arranging all of these,” Barnett said.

Students were able to take home prizes that ranged from houseplants to brand-new speakers.

Another event welcoming college students, College Night, will be hosted by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 11.