Derrek Vaughn | The Valdosta Daily TimesValdosta State University students were introduced to numerous Valdosta-area businesses Thursday during The Happening.

VALDOSTA—YoungJoo Lee, a Korean student at Valdosta State University, poured cups of cold watermelon soda and served dduckboki, a Korean dish that consists of spicy rice cakes, while at the Valdosta Korean School tent at VSU’s The Happening Thursday.

Lee, who has been at VSU for eight months, said The Happening felt like a festival and helped her to better connect with the community. 

Chaka White, a junior at VSU, has attended The Happening for three years and also said it has helped her feel connected. 

“I think that it’s a good opportunity for free stuff, but it’s more about educating people about what’s going on on campus,” White said. 

The connections extend beyond VSU, with hundreds of vendors gathering at the event. 

David Schmidt, owner of Funertia, said this was his second year attending The Happening. 

“This is our target audience,” Schmidt said. “It is a way to let them know there’s a place in town to come and hang out.” 

Bryan Willis, owner of Southern Sensation Boutique and Southern Cove Outfitters, also returned as a vendor to The Happening. He said he goes to introduce freshmen to the stores and to give out coupons.

Cassandra Inboden, owner of Urban Bella Salon, called The Happening a big advertising opportunity.  

Student organizations took advantage of The Happening opportunity.

“I feel like it’s one of the best ways to meet freshmen,” said David McMillian, male director of Legends Modeling Troupe. 

Miana Owensby, female director for Legends Modeling Troupe, said the event helps with diversity. 

Other businesses at the group included Smoothie King, Crossfit Winnersville, Red Owl Coffee, Tipsy Transit, Batteries Plus Bulbs, It’s Poppin’, The Mix and more. 

Kimberly Cannon is a Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.