Rock the Mount, a cherished annual tradition at N.C. Wesleyan University is set to welcome new students to both the campus and the local community this fall.
The event, a hallmark of the N.C. Wesleyan experience, takes place the day before the first day of classes, marking the official start of the new academic year. This year, Rock the Mount is being sponsored by Southern Bank and will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20.
Kim Sutton, senior vice president of Southern Bank, expressed the bank’s enthusiasm for supporting the event.
“Southern Bank is thrilled to support N.C. Wesleyan University and Rock the Mount,” Sutton said.
Local businesses, churches and nonprofit agencies are invited to participate in the vibrant event to promote their organizations and engage with N.C. Wesleyan students.
Last year, Rock the Mount featured nearly 80 vendors, and the university aims to surpass that number this year, creating an even more dynamic and successful event.
A highlight of Rock the Mount is the time-honored tradition known as the Bishop Tunnel. Hundreds of new students will pass through a tunnel formed by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. As new students emerge from the tunnel, they will be greeted by the university’s president, Dr. Evan D. Duff, and his wife, Marcy, before proceeding down the Southern Bank Green. Here, businesses and organizations will connect with new students and introduce them to the local community.
The event features a variety of booths and tents set up along the Southern Bank Green, where students can explore products and services offered by participating organizations.
Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a delicious array of food options, including 3 Boys Catering, CP3, Natural High, Minnies Food and Thingz, Sweet P’s Galaxy Lemonade, Smoking Red House and Carolina Shaved Ice. Live entertainment will be provided by Relay Relay, Story Charlamagne and DJ 3two1.
For business owners and community organizations, Rock the Mount is an opportunity to make a lasting first impression on the incoming Class of 2028.
Elliott Smith, director of student activities at N.C. Wesleyan said the event is a great way to welcome students to the community.
“Rock the Mount is all about making students feel welcome,” Smith said. “Everything about the event communicates that we are excited and grateful that our students have chosen to call Wesleyan and Rocky Mount home. I love seeing students fill their bags up with free swag from all the vendors, getting their free food from the food trucks and genuinely enjoying each other’s company.”
Participation is free to vendors, but display spaces are limited. Interested parties are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The deadline for vendors to sign up is set for July 31. Participants should bring a six-foot tablecloth. Tables will be provided by the university. Tents are recommended for shade. Giveaways, though optional, are a great way to attract attention and stand out.
To register or for more information, contact Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
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