Tennessee Tech University will once again celebrate the start of the fall semester with its third annual “College Town Kickoff” block party and concert for Tech students and the community on Saturday, Aug. 23 in Cookeville’s vibrant WestSide district.

The celebrations kick off at 2 p.m. with carnival games, a Ferris wheel, zip line, merry go-round, food trucks, community booths, shopping and dining specials, a kids’ zone and other activities. Guests can enjoy mobile axe throwing from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and free t-shirt giveaways beginning at 2 p.m. and 6:45 p.m.

At 6 p.m., attendees can head to the main stage for a welcome message from university and community leaders, contests and prizes and musical performances by DJD9 from The Associates, along with a special performance by the Golden Eagle Marching Band – all leading up to one of the biggest names ever to take the stage in Cookeville.

Multi-platinum music sensation Flo Rida will perform a free concert beginning at 8 p.m. The Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist has sold over 100 million singles worldwide and is known for chart-topping hits like “Low,” “Right Round,” “Club Can’t Handle Me,” “Good Feeling” and others. The College Town Kickoff main stage will be located at the intersection of West Broad Street and North Walnut Avenue. Follow Flo Rida on all social media platforms at @official_flo for prizes and opportunities for giveaways at the big show.

Street closures will be in effect throughout the day to allow attendees to safely gather and enjoy the festivities. A free shuttle for Tech students will take them directly from campus to the event site.

“We can’t think of a better way to welcome Golden Eagles back to their university home and highlight the strength of our partnership with the City of Cookeville than by throwing this free block party and concert for students, locals and visitors alike,” said Marc Burnett, interim vice president for Student Affairs at Tech. “College Town Kickoff has already become one of our best-loved traditions, and we’re excited to bring a musical sensation like Flo Rida right here to Cookeville. We invite all to join us in Cookeville’s WestSide on Aug. 23 as we kick off another great semester and celebrate our hometown.”

More than two dozen local businesses will offer extended hours and specials for College Town Kickoff. Participating food trucks, coordinated in partnership with Trackside Food Truck Park include Brandy’s Lemonade, Brazen Que, Dave’s Old-Fashioned Burger, Dawg’ito, Donut Envy, Kona Ice, Pelican Sno Balls, The Rolling Spud, A Taste of Tad and Whisked by Catherine.

College Town Kickoff is presented in partnership with the City of Cookeville, Cookeville CityScape, the Cookeville-Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Cookeville Downtown Development Group and the Cookeville-Putnam County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required. Learn more at www.tntech.edu/weekofwelcome/collegetownkickoff.php.