The day before last weekend’s Guardians of Freedom Air Show, Midwestern State threw one of its biggest events this year, the Pre-flight Block Party.
MSU collaborated with Sheppard Air Force Base and the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, to host stations from Sheppard organizations such as Public Affairs, stands for local businesses and vendors. They lined the Jesse Rogers Promenade while a line of food trucks waited on attendees on the northern end of the promenade.
President Stacia Haynie described the party’s importance to the growing alliance between Sheppard and MSU.
“First of all, even getting an air show is incredibly rare. So we want to be able to demonstrate to Sheppard how valuable they are to us and how much we value their being a part of our community,” Haynie said
The cross-collaboration between the three pillars of the community to host the party is a significant stride in strengthening the bond between them.
“We are so excited to be welcoming food trucks and our artisans in the community, our students, our community members, all to welcome the Thunderbird pilots,” Haynie said.
SGA President Zetta Cannedy and Vice President of Internal Affairs Joey Arthur attended the party, representing the MSU student body.
“We have over 200 students here now, and it’s not even, like, within the first hour, so I’m super excited,” Cannedy said, continuing, “I think it’s really just pumping everyone up for the air show tomorrow.”
Arts and crafts stations and bouncy houses were spread across Sunwatcher Plaza, providing fun for attendees of all ages.
“I think it’s a great event for the students. It’s a way for us to get out of our dorms, out of our rooms, connect with our fellow students,” Arthur said.
