Kalamazoo Times

Get ready to gear up for the fall semester and bring home tons of swag as Bronco Bash returns for its biggest event yet. KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Whether looking for connections, campus resources, or just a good time, Western Michigan University students and community members are preparing for the 42nd annual Bronco Bash. Scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 3 to 6 p.m., more than 17,000 people are expected to gather at Sangren Mall for the unofficial kickoff to the fall semester.

Hundreds of registered student organizations will host tables at Bronco Bash. "We're getting ready to go back to classes and this is kind of like a big party to kick things off with high energy Bronco pride," says Bailey McPhillips, Bronco Bash volunteer and outreach intern.

This year is set to be the largest Bronco Bash in history, with about 500 tables registered by student groups, campus departments and resources, local businesses, and nonprofit organizations ready to hand out swag—including the popular Celebration Cinema refillable popcorn buckets—and prepare Bronco nation for another successful academic year.

"As students, it's a great way to learn about campus and also the community around us," says McPhillips. "And for the public, it's a great way to see we as a campus do want to connect with our community."

Attendees can expect various activities, including mechanical bull and shark rides as well as an inflatable obstacle course, carnival-style water race game with prizes, petting zoo, digital photo booth, airbrush tattoo artist, henna artist and caricature artist.

Mixed in with the fun, Bronco Bash provides a platform for students to find their fit and explore their passions—whether they're just beginning their Western journey or entering their final semester on campus.

The highly anticipated refillable popcorn buckets will once again be available. "We talk about this sense of belonging at Western, and I think Bronco Bash was where my journey really started," says McPhillips. She recently changed her major from aerospace engineering to political science and leadership and business strategy. A second-year student connected her with organizations like the Campus Activities Board and Western Student Association through Bronco Bash; she became heavily involved in these groups and discovered a new career trajectory.

"Working with both of those organizations, I just thought 'This is what's getting me up in the morning; this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,'" she says. "Even though Bronco Bash can feel really big, it really is where you can find your 'why.'"

For more WMU news, arts and events visit WMU News online.