It’s the first home football game of the season, and that means that Hancock Bank, along with United Way of the Big Bend, is gearing up for the Downtown GetDown, a community block party. Each Downtown GetDown takes place on Adams Street from 6 to 10:30 p.m.
FAMU’s schedule has been so hectic in past years that the university has not been able to participate in the events. However, this season two of FAMU’s four home games will have a Downtown GetDown celebration.
The Downtown Getdown will be shared with FSU today. This weekend is parents’ weekend for both universities. The theme is rhythm and blues oldies. Billy Rigsby will provide the entertainment.
Saturday, Oct. 30, FAMU will be hosting Florida Atlantic University. The Downtown GetDown has been confirmed on the 29th, but the theme has yet to be finalized. United Way feels this is going to be one of the biggest seasons ever.
“We are very pleased to have FAMU involved in large capacity this year. The Downtown GetDowns provides entertainment and fun for all ages,” said Jessica Spector, special events coordinator for United Way of the Big Bend.
“We feel the FAMU/FSU night is going to be a success,” said Swanzetta Green, receptionist for United Way of the Big Bend. “We had a large turnout last year to hear the bands alone.”
Hancock Bank, Clear Channel Radio, Tri-Eagle Sales, Coca-Cola, the City of Tallahassee and the Downtown Improvement Authority play major roles in staging the GetDowns celebrations, which include live entertainment, food merchants, retail merchants, activities for kids and much more.
“We hope that this year, the Downtown GetDown events will serve as a bridge between Florida State and FAMU, so that the universities can form more alliances and take part in more events with a community-minded spirit,” said Jackie Jo Brinson, a Florida State student and operations assistant of United Way of the Big Bend.
Each Downtown GetDown is centered on a specific theme for the evening. The staff hopes that FAMU students, faculty and alumni will enjoy the GetDowns so much they will become regular patrons of all the events this season.
Contact lakishia bouie at thefamuansports@hotmail.com.