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Students
saddle up for end-of-semester fun
By
Marco
Lopez
Staff Reporter
Goats, pigs and a one-ton longhorn named Gus were some
of the animals walking around near Frog Fountain Wednesday
evening.
Under clear skies and a yellowish-looking sunset, more
than 300 students listened to country music, took pictures
and spent time with at least 20 different animals during
the Residence Hall Association Round-Up.
“It’s our last big event of the year to let
students enjoy the weather and relax,” said Lauren
Love, the association’s vice president of historical
records.
Love said the idea of bringing a petting zoo to the campus
came up during an association meeting.
Students were impressed by the presence of so many animals
on campus, especially by the friendliness of 12-year-old
Gus.
“I live in Texas and I’ve never gotten that
close to a longhorn,” said Julie Christensen, a freshman
business major.
Milton Daniel Hall Director Manuel McGriff said the association
contracted Ponies & Pals, which is based in Hickory,
to let students see a different event on campus.
Lisa Whaley, the owner of Ponies & Pals, said she
usually takes her animals to birthday parties for young
kids, churches and corporate events.
“I was surprised to see that the event was for college
students,” Whaley said. “I was expecting kids.”
The association gave students free cake, snacks and pizza.
McGriff said students had eaten 75 pizzas by 7 p.m.
Students ate pink cotton candy while waiting in line to
jump on a blue air mattress.
McGriff said members of every residence hall on campus
collaborated to make the event happen. |
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Sarah
Chacko/Photo Editor
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| Freshman
radio-TV-film major Wyatt Goolsby saddles up on
Gus, a longhorn provided courtesy of Lonesome Longhorns,
with a little help from owner Heather Reams at the
Residence Hall Association’s Round-Up. |
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