A member of the band Bag of Donuts impersonates Gene
Simmons from KISS. The band provided students with
entertainment at Strawberry Jam 2014. 
The Lion’s Roar / Megan Simon

The annual Strawberry Jam was in full swing last Tuesday night. Returners and newcomers came from all over, drawn in by the fun atmosphere combined with games, free food and a fully-costumed band, Bag of Donuts.

The event occurred Tuesday, August 19 at the Strawberry Stadium. They served pizza and drinks and provided an opportunity for both upperclassmen and freshmen to experience a taste of what is to come for this upcoming year.

“A few things were different this year,” said coordinator of marketing and student promotion Andrew Hickman. “We planned to have it in the stadium, for once. The weather for the last few years has always been a factor for us. It was this year, but it seems to be holding off for us. The biggest thing is the Bag of Donuts, getting them back on board. I started in 2005 as a student here, and I remember coming to watch them for Strawberry Jam, so it was kind of personal for me. I remember having that experience and that type of atmosphere.”

Despite having to be pushed back from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., according to Hickman, this has been the biggest crowd of students the event has drawn in compared to last year.  

“I think this is double, maybe even triple what we had last year,” said Hickman. 

For many, this is the first time experiencing the Jam. Hickman hopes this event introduces athletics to freshmen in a fun way, showing off just how school-spirited they are.

“For a lot of incoming freshmen, this is their first experience with athletics, and it’s a chance for them to see the other side of the contest,” said Hickman. “I would say there’s two parts to it: the contest on the field and its atmosphere. That’s what we are trying to bring to this place. The contest on the field is starting to take care of itself, but that atmosphere, that fun, that ‘go home and tell your friends you’re missing out because you’re not a Lion,’ that type of deal.”

Sophomore health and physical education major Cheyenne Fornea, one of the workers at the event, was also adamant about students enjoying the atmosphere the event provided, hoping students would see there was a lot more on campus to do.

“I hope students learn that we are like college students,” said Fornea. “We aren’t as big as LSU, but we do have activities that they can do. They definitely won’t be bored on campus.”

Bag of Donuts put a different spin on Strawberry Jam this year, bringing live music to the event with a touch of their own personal style, which included face make-up and costumes.

“They are just a fun time, and they are not one of those bands that are going to charge an arm and a leg to come out and perform,” said Hickman. “They are really great to work with. The guys love to have fun and they know how to connect with our students. They play all kinds of music; it’s not just one particular genre. I think it was a good fit to have a great time for the students.”