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A University of North Georgia (ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ) tradition will once again cap the first week of classes this fall, with the 26th annual Starlight Celebration and fireworks event set for Aug. 16 at ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ's Gainesville Campus. Northeast Georgia Health System is the presenting sponsor.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. for the event with fireworks at dark. All activities will take place in the G.W. Bailey Amphitheater at 3820 Mundy Mill Road in Oakwood, Georgia. 

Parking costs $10 per car or $20 per bus, van or larger vehicle and can only be paid for in cash. Admission is free for ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ students with a valid student ID card. Walk-ins are not permitted.

Net proceeds from the event benefit student scholarships.

"We look forward to celebrating the start of the 2025-26 academic year with our Nighthawk family," President Michael Shannon said. "Starlight is a great time to come together and celebrate the impact we are making in our region, state and nation while also supporting student scholarships that directly enhance our ability to transform lives."

Food can be purchased on site from Aramark and Frozen Frenzee. Attendees may also bring their own picnics.

Nighthawk spirit will be on full display with Nigel, ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ cheerleaders and student-athletes in attendance at the event.

The Department of Visual Arts will have stations where children can work on ceramics or water-color painting.

The ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ Patriot Choir will sing the national anthem, and the ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ Color Guard will present the colors. ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ's Low Brass Collective and Jazz Ensemble will also perform.

Clay Christy with Brickhouse Mobile DJs will serve as the event DJ.

Table sponsorship opportunities are still available for $125. Anyone interested in a table sponsorship should email Shannon Shockley at shannon.shockley@ung.edu.

Gainesville Mechanical Inc. is the Bottle Rocket sponsor for Starlight. Sparkler sponsors are Jackson EMC, Sosebee and Britt Orthodontics, ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ Institute for Healthy Aging, and ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅ Alumni Association.

The following items are prohibited at Starlight: pets (other than service animals), sparklers or outside fireworks, grills or any open flames, political signage, advertisements, or unlawful weapons.

Additionally, everyone is encouraged to use #ÐÁÓÈÀïÅ®ÓÅstarlight when sharing their photos of family, friends and fireworks on social media during and after the event.

For more information about Starlight, visit the Starlight Celebration and fireworks event webpage.