ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Rock the Mount is an annual tradition held each fall at North Carolina Wesleyan University to celebrate and welcome new students to campus, as well as to the local community. Each year, Rock the Mount is held the day before students’ first day of classes, serving as the official kick-off event for the new academic year. This year, the event is sponsored by Southern Bank and will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20. Kim Sutton, Senior Vice President of Southern Bank, shares “Southern Bank is thrilled to support NC Wesleyan University, and Rock the Mount. As your partner in financial wellness education, we’re proud to invest in your success and celebrate your history of positive community outreach in our area. We’re banking on YOU, Battling Bishops!” Business owners, churches and other nonprofits are invited to come promote their organization and gain exposure with NCWU students.
That day, hundreds of students take their rite of passage through a time-honored tradition—the Bishop Tunnel—formed by a cheering crowd of returning students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members. As they pass through the tunnel, they are met with a warm welcome by President, Dr. Evan D. Duff and wife, Marcy. The students then proceed down the Southern Bank Green, located in the center of campus, where businesses and organizations are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to help the Bishop family welcome these new students to Wesleyan, Rocky Mount and the surrounding community. Businesses and organizations are set up with tents and booth displays that decorate the street and Southern Bank Green, creating a runway for students to stop and browse their products and services.
Last year, Rock the Mount brought nearly 80 vendors to campus; this year, NC Wesleyan aims to have even more businesses and organizations on campus to make the event even more successful. Are you the owner of a restaurant or coffee shop? Students love to eat and run on coffee! Do you have an automotive shop? Unlike many colleges and universities, NCWU allows students to bring their cars beginning their freshman year, so they too will need oil changes and tire rotations.
Are you part of a local church?
Use this opportunity to connect with students looking for a local, faith-based family to join. By celebrating the start of another exciting school year with Wesleyan, you form a bond with new students who could potentially become customers, interns and even future employees. Come make a great first impression as NCWU welcomes the Class of 2028.
Food and Entertainment
Local food trucks will be on-site to provide a variety of food options for everyone such as: 3 Boys Catering, CP3, Natural High, Minnies Food and Thingz, Sweet P’s Galaxy Lemonade, Smoking Red House, and Carolina Shaved Ice. Live entertainment will be provided by Relay Relay; Story Charlamagne, and DJ 3two1!
Sign-up Today!
Those interested in participating should bring a six-foot tablecloth—NCWU will provide the table. A tent is not required, but it’s August in North Carolina so you may appreciate the shade— just keep it 10’x10’ or less. Also, giveaways are completely optional, but they are a great way to stand out from the rest and maybe even become the crowd favorite!
Participation is free, but display spaces are limited. The registration deadline is Wednesday, July 31; however, businesses and organizations are encouraged to sign-up as soon as possible by clicking here. For more information, contact Elliott Smith at esmith@ncwu.edu.
Check out photos of Rock the Mount Events: https://photos.ncwc.edu/Annual-Rock-The-Mount
