Bronco Bash is bigger than ever with hundreds of orgs, businesses and even a mechanical shark

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Whether looking for connections, campus resources or just a good time, Western Michigan University students and community members are gearing up for the 42nd annual Bronco Bash. Planned for Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 3 to 6 p.m., more than 17,000 people are expected to descend on Sangren Mall for the unofficial kickoff to the fall semester.

"We're getting ready to go back to classes and this is kind of like a big party to kick things off with high energy Bronco pride," says Bailey McPhillips, Bronco Bash volunteer and outreach intern. 

This year is set to be the biggest Bronco Bash in history, with about 500 tables registered by student groups, campus departments and resources, local businesses and nonprofit organizations ready to hand out swag—including the ever-popular Celebration Cinema refillable popcorn buckets—and get Bronco nation ready for another successful academic year. 

"As students, it's a great way to learn about campus and also the community around us," says McPhillips. "And for the public, it's a great way to see we as a campus do want to connect with our community."

Attendees can expect a number of fun activities, including mechanical bull and shark rides as well as an inflatable obstacle course, carnival-style water race game with prizes, petting zoo, digital photo booth, airbrush tattoo artist, henna artist and caricature artist.

Mixed in with the fun, Bronco Bash provides a platform for students to find their fit and dig deeper into their passions—whether they're just beginning their Western journey or entering their final semester on campus.

"We talk about this sense of belonging at Western, and I think Bronco Bash was where my journey really started," says McPhillips, who recently changed her major from aerospace engineering to political science and leadership and business strategy. A second-year student, Bronco Bash connected her with organizations like the Campus Activities Board and Western Student Association, which she became heavily involved in and discovered a new career trajectory.

"Working with both of those organizations, I just thought, 'This is what's getting me up in the morning; this is what I want to do for the rest of my life,'" she says. "Even though Bronco Bash can feel really big, it really is where you can find your 'why.'"

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.