The fall semester has officially begun at Davis & Elkins College, and the College, the city of Elkins and Elkins Main Street are prepared to offer students an official community welcome. D&E Night on the Town, scheduled Friday, Sept. 2, in downtown Elkins will offer entertainment, food and a movie.
Now a tradition at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, the event serves as a connection between downtown Elkins and the College. The public is invited to join in the activities.
“It is always fun to assist in the coordination of the Elkins Main Street, Davis & Elkins College Campus Activities Board, City of Elkins First Friday, D&E Night on the Town,” said D&E Vice President for Student Affairs Scott Goddard. “Another academic year is off and running at Davis & Elkins College, and that means an entire entering class is now calling Elkins home. The goal of First Friday, D&E Night on the Town is to blur the lines between Davis & Elkins College and the city of Elkins.”
Students on the room and board plan will receive vouchers to have dinner in downtown restaurants, giving them a chance to see what the local businesses have to offer. Restaurants participating this year are Beander’s, Brewstel, CJ Maggie’s, Clara Belle’s, Gino’s Pizza & Spaghetti House, Henry G’s Café , Jabberwock Bar & Grill, Papa John’s Pizza and The Railyard Restaurant.
“That’s nine restaurants and establishments, a new record,” Goddard said. “Thank you so very much for participating in what is shaping up to be a great Night on the Town.”
Activities get underway at 5 p.m. with airbrush and henna tattoos at Henry G’s Café on Third Street.
At 6:30 p.m., the Davis & Elkins College student dance and string band, Appalachian Ensemble will perform at CJ Maggie’s on Davis Avenue. The group focuses on the intersections of different American vernacular forms and their roots, ranging from old-time music and flatfooting to jazz music and tap dance, to Irish sean nós dance, body percussion and numerous traditional American styles of harmony singing. The performances include a variety of regional dance styles, contemporary choreography, and a selection of traditional songs and tunes. Members for the 2016-2017 season are musicians Matthew Olwell, Branson Raines, William Roboski, Devon Rose and Ben Zorn, and dancers Madalyn Humphrey, Katie Little, Eli Lucchesi, Katharine Manor, Cierra Merrill, Olwell, Allison Riley, Roboski, Alina Soltis and Tiffanie Toler.
The biographical film “October Sky” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. at Huntington Bank drive-through on Davis Avenue. Beander’s is sponsoring the showing for Elkins Main Street, which has partnered with Randolph County Read Aloud for the presentation. “October Sky” is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, who growing up in Coalwood, W.Va., was inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 to take up rocketry against his father’s wishes and eventually became a NASA engineer.
“Elkins Main Street is proud to partner with the Randolph County Read Aloud program and grateful for the sponsorship that made it possible for us to present this wonderful film,” said Karen Carper, Elkins Main Street executive director. “We look forward to welcoming D&E students and local families for a night of entertainment in downtown Elkins.”
Popcorn, drinks and Beander’s kettle corn will be available. Those attending the movie showing are asked to bring a lawn chair.
“It’s going to be really exciting,” said Elkins Mayor Van Broughton. “I know the businesses are really looking forward to a great evening with the students and community.”
Related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Davis & Elkins College is located in Elkins, 2 hours east of Charleston, 3 hours south of Pittsburgh and 4 hours west of Washington, D.C. For more information, please visit the College website at www.dewv.edu or call 304-637-1243.