Western Kentucky University welcomed its freshman, its entire student population and the Bowling Green community to the Hill tonight at its third annual Topper Fest.

Each year, the event hosts booths, live music and food trucks both from the local community and groups on campus to kick-off a successful start to the semester. Some businesses and groups present were Meijer, Pop Works, BG Dawgz, Que Pasa Tacos and Rita’s Italian Ice and Frozen Custard. 

“I think it’ll be really fun to be on campus. I want to become very outgoing, and meet as many people as possible,” Ericka Hoppes, a freshman psychology and criminology major, said.

The WKU women’s volleyball team was also in attendance, as well as WKU Equestrian, who brought one of their horses, Trigger, to entertain and interact with the crowd. A large row of kid-friendly bounce houses was also present on South Lawn, a feature new for this year.

Additionally, The Downtown Band was back for their second year at Topper Fest, performing radio hits and singing along with the crowd. 

One business new to Topper Fest was Steel Mill and Co., a boutique on U.S. 31 W Bypass who “is a lifestyle boutique designed to help every woman showcase her authentic self,” according to their website. General Manager Caitlin Warren, 23, was thrilled to be participating in the event while showcasing Steel Mill and Co.’s  new WKU gear.

“This is our first time. We just launched WKU stuff and so we wanted to get it out there and we’re really excited to be here,” Warren said. Warren is also an alum of WKU’s program for marketing and sales, and invited students to be active participants on their campus.

“As a former hilltopper, I love everything Western wise, and I recommend going to everything you can,” Warren said. “There’s so much stuff I wish I would have gone to but didn’t.”

Many professors were in attendance at the event, meeting students and enjoying the atmosphere for themselves.

Assistant professor Jeremy Logsdon of the education program gave advice for first time freshmen on the Hill.

“The best thing a first time freshman can do is to find something to connect to on campus. Join an organization, find a club, get a group of friends, don’t just go to class and go back to your dorm,” Logsdon said. “[…] Plug into something, and that’s what will make your time here at WKU so much more memorable and valuable.”

Freshman were keen on participating in the event, and several were quick to share their goals and what they are looking forward to this semester. 

“I’m excited to meet people and just have a good time,” Adam Cole, a freshman physical therapy major said.

Many freshman were also eager to start their classes and meet new people along the way.

“I’m very excited to study in S.T.E.M,” Walt Robinson, a freshman molecular biotechnology and physics major said.

News Reporter Bailey Reed can be reached at [email protected]