The Quad was packed on Friday, Sept. 26, as students, staff and alumni stopped to support the local businesses at the second annual Field Day and the third Food Truck Friday of the school year.
Hosted by Augustana’s Student Government Association and Human Resources department, Field Day brings students and staff together in a more informal setting. While this is the second year the event has been hosted, it is the first time Field Day has been held during Homecoming week.
The most popular aspect of the event that afternoon was the food trucks. There were three local businesses out on the Quad: Hangry Haven, Hacienda Mexican Grill and MozBites. The three served a variety of foods including burgers, tacos, quesadillas, samosas and donuts.
According to an email sent out on Sept. 12 by the Office of Student Life (OSL), this was the third of four Food Truck Friday events that have been announced this year. The final part of the series will be held Oct. 3.
Hangry Haven, which serves burgers, opened last summer. Owner of Hangry Haven, Nick Nelson, said he is a native to the Quad Cities area and is hoping to open a permanent location.
“We are all focused on quality food, super fast ticket times whenever we can help it and otherwise just looking to branch out to the community more,” Nelson said.
Two students who stopped at Field Day were First-Year students Luke Veach and Samuel Godoy-Reyes. The pair stopped by MozBites and were two of the first 50 students in line who received free orders. According to an email from the OSL, making the first 50 to 60 meals free has been a part of Food Truck Fridays every week.
After eating, Veach and Godoy-Reyes played a game of beanbag toss offered on the lawn in front of the Hanson Science Building that ended in a 5-2 victory for Godoy-Reyes. Bocce ball, Kan Jam and ladder golf were a few of the other games provided.
Rey Benschop, the director of student activities at Augustana, helped set up the event. Benschop said he enjoyed the extended community that came with hosting the event during Homecoming week.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to also, as we bring together students, staff and faculty, to [add] alumni to that equation as well,” Benschop said.
Another staff member who attended the event was Ashley Allen, the executive director of inclusion and intercultural experiences. Allen shared similar thoughts regarding the timing of the event.
“I feel like it’s a good touch to have this on a homecoming weekend, but also it’s nice outside, and an opportunity for us to come together, to eat food and get a chance to break away from everyday work and life… and having an opportunity to talk to [students],” Allen said.
Through food, games and community spirit, the combination of Field Day and Food Truck Friday helped kick off the weekend leg of Homecoming week by bringing together Augie staff, students and alumni to enjoy what our local businesses have to offer.