80,000 attend Packapalooza in Raleigh as part of NC State’s Welcome Week

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — A display of fireworks lit up the sky near N.C. State University’s Belltower Saturday night while students, faculty, families and alumni embraced the red glowing tower that welcomed students to a new academic year.

“We have a connection, and the excitement. It’s a lot of fun, everybody puts forth an effort, and everyone is excited,” said Kathy Warwick, an N.C. State alumna.

Warwick and her husband Duncan joined more than 80,0000 people who gathered on Hillsborough Street on Saturday for the university’s Packapalooza celebration.

The cherished event wrapped up N.C. State’s Wolfpack Welcome Week and featured live music, performances, and about 300 vendors.

“You build lasting relationships. We have,” said Kathy Warwick.

The Warwicks said they haven’t missed the celebration since Packapalooza started 12 years ago. The couple said the university became a piece of their story together including 50 years of marriage.

“We lived in N.C. State’s married student housing,” said Kathy.

“I graduated in ’77, but I was an older guy who had been through the service and went to school on the G.I. Bill,” said Duncan Warwick.

The Warwicks cherish their moments on the campus and the everlasting Wolfpack spirit. However, many said the celebration also marked new beginnings.

“It’s kind of bittersweet, it’s hard to see him go,” said Andrew Gunderson, standing beside his son Jacob Gunderson of Jacksonville. Gunderson said his son, a freshman, plans to major in electrical engineering.

“I remember when I started college, too, it was a very exciting time. It was your first time away from home without the safety net, so it was a little bit scary but in a good way,” said the father.

Jacob shared his excitement for what’s to come including making new friends and memories.

“It’s just nice seeing everyone from all grades for the opening of the year!” he said.

Jeff Murison, executive director of Live It Up! Hillsborough Street, said they work with the university to bring the event together in Raleigh. Through the event, he said they also highlight Hillsborough Street.

Murison said the street has become part of the identity of the campus.

“Packapalooza anchors the idea that Hillsborough Street is the center of Wolfpack pride for incoming, first-year students on their first weekend,” said Murison. “That carries through, not just the four or five years that they’re here, but a lifetime with Hillsborough Street and Raleigh.”

With the support of nearly 50 sponsors, Murison said they strive to make the celebration bigger and better.

“It’s the beginning of the semester, it’s fantastic to see all of N.C. State out on Hillsborough Street celebrating, returning back for another year, and everything that is Wolfpack energy.”

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