Valdosta State University will host The Happening 2017 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, on the front lawn.
 
The Happening is an opportunity for students to have fun in the South Georgia outdoors while learning more about what the university and the surrounding community have to offer them.
 
The Happening is also an opportunity for on-campus organizations, programs, offices, and departments and off-campus businesses, religious organizations, nonprofits, and civic groups to introduce and market themselves to thousands of students, face to face, at one time, in one location.
 
“Exhibitors often use the event to recruit part-time and full-time employees, host games and prize drawings, and provide information about their products and services,” said Robin Vickery, director of VSU’s Office of Student Life, which sponsors The Happening each year. “Free food and giveaways are always a student favorite. We encourage all of the exhibitors to get creative.”
 
The 26th annual event promises to be bigger and better than The Happening 2016, which boasted well over 300 exhibitors. The information fair is always a big hit with the thousands of students enrolled at VSU.
 
Early registration is $25 if received before 11 p.m. Sunday, July 23. Late registration is $50 and runs Monday, July 24, through midnight Sunday, Aug. 6. All off-campus businesses, religious organizations, nonprofits, and civic groups who wish to participate in The Happening 2017 are encouraged to register online by visiting http://www.valdosta.edu/happening. Fees may be paid online with a credit or debit card or by mail with a cashier’s check or money order.
 
Please note that selling, fundraising, and credit card sign-ups are not permitted during The Happening.
 
Contact Trisha Taylor with VSU’s Office of Student Life at (229) 333-5674 or [email protected] to learn more.