The Facts: The third annual Haunted Hillsborough Hike takes place Saturday evening. The event had 6,500 attendees last year and is trying to increase its presence this year and into the future.
Our Opinion: The hike is a great event for the N.C. State community. Students should seize the opportunity to build social ties with their classmates and support the businesses that have been affected by Hillsborough Street construction.
The Haunted Hillsborough Hike is a great opportunity to enjoy some hauntingly good times with friends and support local businesses Saturday evening.
The third installation of the annual event has high expectations despite the ongoing Hillsborough Street construction project that has made crossing the street difficult this year.
Several businesses have indicated they intend to stay open late despite the inconvenience presented by the construction and want to support the continued expansion of the young event.
Last year 6,500 students and residents came out to support the local businesses and have a good time. Hopefully this year’s crowd will be just as large, if not larger.
The haunted hike doesn’t compare to the 82,000-person mayhem on Franklin Street at UNC-Chapel Hill last year, but that’s just fine to N.C. State students.
The University doesn’t want to replicate the tomfoolery of Chapel Hill; the smaller, community, feel is part of what has made the hike a success the last two years and will likely propel it into the annals of University tradition.
The Hillsborough Street construction project has caused its fair share of frustration this semester; students are more than aware of the ever-shifting crossways and cacophony of sound but they shouldn’t let it stop them from having fun Saturday.
The construction has caused frustration for students, but it has been painful for businesses. Saturday night isn’t just an opportunity to build camaraderie, it’s an opportunity to come out in support of the businesses that have been affected by the project.
Have fun Saturday night, but also remember to be safe and represent the University well. If you’re planning on drinking, bring a designated driver along or call a cab when you leave; there is no reason to endanger yourself or one of your fellow students by making a bad decision.
Make an effort to come out to Hillsborough Street Saturday and enjoy the warm weather, but if nothing else be safe and have a happy Halloween.