Welcome Back Festival kicks off year at CU

Thousands of people will take to the streets of downtown Clemson as Clemson University kicks off the school year with the annual Welcome Back Festival from 5:30 to 8pm on Monday, August 19. Held on College Avenue, the festival will feature more than 70 local vendors, restaurants and university organizations showcasing food samples, giveaways and games. Admission to the festival is free, and attendees can purchase tickets for 50 cents each to buy food samples and other items from vendors. Clemson University President James F. Barker and Clemson Mayor Pro Tem Butch Trent will take the stage at 5:45pm to welcome the crowd. Tiger Band, the Clemson cheerleaders, the Rally Cats and the Tiger mascot will all be on hand to provide entertainment. The festival is sponsored by the Student Alumni Council, and proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Student Alumni Council Endowment Scholarship Fund.