To kick-off the new fall term, the annual UMSU Bison Bash will be occurring on the U of M Fort Garry campus. The festivities will last weeklong from Sept. 9 to 13 and will mark the 3rd annual Bison Bash hosted by UMSU.
Bolu Akindele, UMSU vice-president of student life, said that one on of her portfolio responsibilities is overseeing the fall orientation event — the Bison Bash week.
Akindele described this event as “kind of a tradition all across Canada with student unions — students unions tend to have their own events.” She noted that the university has their own fall orientation event, but mentioned the importance of ensuring that student unions also conduct their own.
“There’s definitely some significance historically, with our fall orientation and Bison Bash and obviously it is just an amazing opportunity for students to have an amazing time and get to interact with people and be in an amazing atmosphere,” said Akindele. “UMSU has continually done this over the past few years.”
She added that this orientation event provides the opportunity for students to learn about UMSU and the services and supports that they provide. Students can also familiarize themselves with places on campus and meet friends by attending.
Students can look forward to the free breakfast from the UMSU’s Degrees Diner at 10 a.m. for the entire week while supplies last.
“We expect to provide lots of food for as many students as possible on the first floor of the University Centre,” said Akindele.
Another event to note is the UMSU Bison Bash Market. “Local businesses, vendors, university students, entrepreneurs are going to have the opportunity to connect with hundreds of students and faculty, staff […] who can purchase things to support businesses and local businesses here in Winnipeg,” she said.
The market will be taking place all week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Multi Purpose Room on the second floor of UMSU University Centre.
Tuesday, Sept. 10 will feature a carnival party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., also located at the second floor Multi Purpose Room.
Free food and refreshments will be available alongside games such as cornhole, giant “beer” pong, Jenga and Connect 4. DJ Osky and UMFM will be present to provide music, with entertainment consisting of a juggler, mime, magician, stilt walker and an aerial act.
Later that night, karaoke will be happening from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Wednesday at the UMSU’s VW Social Club. “Students can just unwind and have an amazing time and sing some of their favourite songs,” said Akindele.
The final event of the week will be the UMSU street party located on the third floor of the University Centre. Doors open at 9 p.m. on Friday and the party will continue until 2 a.m. on Saturday.
Tickets are required and a student ID card or proof of enrolment is needed to enter the event. General admission is $15 and last-minute buyers will be charged $17.50. Only those 18 and older are permitted to attend the street party.
Live performances by the Dirty Catfish Brass Band and DJ Hunnicutt will occur at VW Social Club. Meanwhile, IQ’s will feature a silent headphone disco with DJ CODE-E and DJ C8E. Degrees will have boardgames, mocktails and a $5 food menu. A photo booth will also be on site.
“I encourage everyone to grab their tickets, join us and have an amazing time and get to meet amazing people as well,” said Akindele.
