Adrian College and DDA weigh dates, tactics for Welcome Back Bash to draw students downtown

Adrian — Representatives from Adrian College discussed plans with the Adrian Main Street DDA on June 10 to bring students downtown for a Welcome Back Bash tied to college programming, but board members and business owners raised timing and logistics concerns.

Thomas from Adrian College said the college's Welcome Weekend runs Aug. 2123 and proposed building the downtown event into the college schedule, suggesting Sunday, Aug. 23, in the evening as one option. Anna Montgomery, director of student life, described programming the college could bring: live music or DJs, giveaways (meal vouchers or t-shirts used in past years), pop-up booths near businesses, competitions such as cornhole, and a resource tent for downtown vendors at the college's Sneak Peek event (July 10) and Welcome Weekend (Aug. 21).

Board members and downtown business representatives expressed concern that Sunday evenings are not ideal for many downtown businesses that do not keep Sunday hours. One board member suggested an earlier Sunday (wrap-up by about 2 p.m.) so shops and volunteers could participate, while others proposed delaying the event or pairing campus-focused programming with a later First Friday to ensure businesses are open.

The promotions committee will review the idea at its Friday meeting and coordinate with college staff on timing and promotions. The college offered an immediate outreach channel: a resource tent at Sneak Peek (July 10, 10 a.m.2 p.m.) and the campus Welcome Weekend (Aug. 21) where businesses can reserve table space to connect directly with students.

What happens next: The promotions committee will meet on Friday to refine programming ideas and timing; college and DDA staff will work on outreach to downtown businesses to encourage participation and consider alternatives if Sunday evening proves impractical for merchants.