Dancing on Dixie Becomes Mask Up & Mingle

The Student Organization Showcase was August 31 through September 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Centennial Plaza. Student Organizations were able to set up and show students what their organization is about. Each booth was to be 6 feet apart for social distancing.

Traditionally, the event takes place at Dancing on Dixie. At this block party, Dixie Avenue shuts down for the afternoon, and there are student organizations set up, music and entertainment all along the road. It usually takes place the Friday before classes start.

Jerry Keeton, Coordinator of Student Activities and Campus Life, said there were two reasons for the name change this year.

“One, we actually had to move off Dixie Avenue. We have to do road closures with the City of Cookeville, and the City of Cookeville is actually not doing road closures, at this time, so we took the decision to move to Centennial Plaza and the main quad,” said Keeton. “And to encourage students to wear mask we decided to call it the Mask Up Mix and Mingle.”

The move also helped with social distancing requirements and the mask requirement for large events. The move helped with the protocols put in place to keep students safe at events.

As is tradition, Mask Up Mix and Mingle was scheduled for Friday August 21 before classes started, however, it cancelled due to rain. The event was rescheduled for the Friday after classes started, but it was also obvious it would get rained out too.

The cancellation led to the change to the Student Organization Showcase. The showcase was on Centennial Plaza and they allowed eight organizations a day, to meet social distancing guidelines. Organizations are not limited to just that week though. They are allowed to reserve space at any time.

Kester Nucum, sophomore at Tech, is involved in at least four organizations. Nucum said this is a great compromise for Dancing on Dixie and Mask Up and Mingle. He said it is important for freshmen to be involved and Dancing on Dixie is the best way to get involved and see the offered organizations.

“I personally love the student organizations part of Dancing on Dixie more than the dancing, for me,” said Nucum. “So, student organizations having the opportunity to be able to gather together in a social distance setting to show, especially the incoming freshman, what they have to offer…is a great way to give them the opportunity to connect with students.”

Student organizations are welcome to set up any time on Centennial Plaza and can sign up through the management system with Student Activities and Campus Life.