College Night in Town returns May 1
A Bates crowd at the Courthouse Plaza on Lisbon Street listens to the all-college a cappella performance that concluded the first “College Night in Town” in 2012. Photograph by Michael Pasek ’12.
With the return to Lewiston and Auburn of greener scenery and warmer temperatures, Bates students have organized the return of College Night in Town on Wednesday.
Created last year in collaboration with the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, the event was envisioned as an annual opportunity to acquaint all area college students with the many attractive dining, shopping and entertainment options available in their backyard. The debut last May drew substantial participation and appreciation by students and businesses. A fall followup last October was also successful.
“The goal of this spring’s event is to support the town and the local economy while showcasing some of the best musicians and artists that Bates has to offer,” said Meg Murphy, a Bates senior who leads the organizing group. “We want to strengthen the relationship between the town and the college through introductions, interaction and financial incentives.”
While most activities will take place in the evening, there will also be associated daytime events in Kennedy Park in downtown Lewiston. Starting at 2 p.m.,The Bates Outing Club and the Bates Slackline Club will demonstrate slacklining (a form of rope-walking) in the park, and the Bates Shred Club (an organization for skateboarders) will host a Shred Sesh at the Skate Park. Additionally, Sidewalk chalk will be available for public use up and down Lisbon Street.
Evening events get under way at 5 p.m. The schedule includes:
• Free musical performances, open to the public, in both Lewiston and Auburn. Lewiston venues include Chopsticks Restaurant, the Lyceum Gallery, Pedro O’Hara’s, She Doesn’t Like Guthrie’s and the Lamey Wellehan Building on Lisbon Street. Lamey Wellehan will also display student artwork, for sale by the individual artists. Auburn venues include Gritty McDuff’s and Naral’s Experience Arabia.
• From 5 – 8 p.m., for those with proper identification proving they are 21 or older, a free wine tasting at The Vault and discounted craft beer on tap at Baxter Brewing Co., both in Lewiston.
• Discounts at participating businesses and restaurants in the Lewiston and Auburn downtown areas for students with current, valid student identification cards. Though not required, reservations are requested and recommended.
• A free outdoor a capella concert will cap the evening, starting at 8:30 p.m. at Dufresne Plaza (formerly Courthouse Plaza) on Lisbon Street in Lewiston.
College Night in Town Spring 2013 is co-sponsored by The Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, MenusInLA.com and the Bates College Student Activities Office.
For more information, including a full performance schedule and a list of participating restaurants and businesses, like the Bates Night in Town Facebook page, or visit Night in Town.
