McCrory Gardens hosted its first of four “Party on the Porch” events Sept. 8. The next two events will take place Sept. 22 and 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The event is free to both students and the public. There is a cash bar that offers drinks and snacks. Each weekend will feature a different band.
Across the Missouri, who are new to the Gardens this year, will perform September 22. Kyle Knutson will be the last performer for this event September 29.
Lisa Marotz, director of McCrory Gardens, said the event “[opens] up opportunities for people to come and see what lives right here in Brookings, on the campus of SDSU. The event brings joy, sanctuary, and an opportunity to just ‘be’ for a while – listening to music, watching the butterflies and bees indulging in the nectar of the florals. No expectations,” she said.
“It’s nice to get outside before everything freezes,” Nicole Schroepfer, a senior at SDSU said. “It sounded like a relaxing way to end the weekend.”
Marotz said, “It is truly joyful on any given day when we get to meet SDSU students at the Gardens.” McCrory Gardens always has free admission for students, Marotz explains. “We are here for the students during the ‘everyday’ and the special days,” she said.
This is the sixth consecutive year McCrory Gardens has hosted Party on the Porch. 178 people attended Party on the Porch on the eighth. Marotz said “The weather is always the common driver of attendance.” In case of inclement weather, the music will be moved into the Great Hall.
Other events at the Gardens this semester include their Fall Festival Oct. 13 and Giggles and Ghouls Oct. 31. Additionally, the Garden Glow will run from Dec. 7 through Jan. 6.
For more information on McCrory Gardens, visit their website at https://www.sdstate.edu/mccrory-gardens.