OXFORD,
Miss. – On a campus where the biggest crowds generally come out for
football games, University of Mississippi students showed they have a
more serious side Friday afternoon.
Instead of discussing who
might win the big game, thousands of people carried political signs,
sported campaign stickers and discussed important issues at the Rock
the Debate festival.
The free festival, from noon to 8 p.m. in
the Grove, was the idea of the Student Presidential Debate Steering
Committee and included a mix of music, speakers, video presentations,
display areas, games and food. After the festival, many people gathered
at the Grove stage to watch the historic presidential debate live on
14-by-18-foot HD television screens on either side of the stage.
The cool breeze and sunshine of an early fall day brought together UM students, Oxford citizens and visitors from across the region. The university’s Gospel Choir kicked off the show with an inspiring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by musical styles ranging from bluegrass to hip-hop and Southern rock.
“We are very excited to be a part of Rock the Debate,” said Tate Moore, lead singer of the Kudzu Kings and owner of Square Pizza in downtown Oxford. “I am glad the university gave consideration to their alumni and showed their support of local businesses.”
Lawn chairs and blankets dotted the landscape, and while adults talked politics, their children danced to the music and played “Guitar Hero” at the Dell Computers tent.
“It’s very important for kids to see democracy in action,” said Oxford resident Mary Solomon, a mother of three boys. “It’s a great time for the whole family to get out and see the issues. I wanted to bring my kids to Issue Alley so they could see the things that affect them and their future.”
It wouldn’t be a festival without food, though. Barbecue, catfish, briscuit tacos, sandwiches and more were available from booths near the Student Union. Chef John Folse and Co. had long lines for shrimp or crawfish etouffee, or red beans and rice.
Ian McGee, vice president of catering operations for Folse, said it was their pleasure to be in the Grove.
“We are excited and honored to be so close to the action,” McGee said. “It is a pretty important time in our history, and having a front row seat here is an honor.”
In conjunction with the festival, groups lined along the Grove sidewalk leading from Farley Hall to the School of Pharmacy. In this area, called Issue Alley, they distributed flyers and information exploring campaign issues such as the environment, gun control and civil rights.
Porter Wells spent most of her day as a volunteer as a “Grove greeter” and in the information tent.
“I am really impressed with the turnout,” said Wells, a sophomore international studies major from Jackson. “I thought more students would go home, but so many of them have come out and been involved. It was great to see students sign petitions to Save Darfur. I am so excited that even with the uncertainty about the debate, they are still so enthusiastic and excited.”
Richard Hughes, a first-year law student from Somerville, Tenn., said he came out to see the spectacle of the media and the atmosphere of the Grove.
“It’s a big deal and a big opportunity for Ole Miss to show they’ve come a long way since 1962,” Hughes said. “I think it would have been a huge mistake for McCain to postpone the debate.”