Students and community members alike are expected to celebrate in the front lawn of Old Main for the second Old Main Lawn Party at 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday on the lawn in front of Old Main.

The Lawn Party is mainly for an end of the school year celebration. Music, food, door prizes and games provided by Eastern’s Office of Student Community Service will be available for the Coles County community and students and staff.

The Freezelands, a local husband and wife duo from the band Jac Freeze, will play their acoustic arrangement renditions of old country favorites and rock.

The band is currently touring around the Midwest, and is based in central Illinois, according to the band’s website.

The band has covered songs from Alannah Myles, Adele, The Band Perry, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and Martina McBride; they are expected to cover new artists at the Lawn Party.

Robert Martin, vice president for university advancement, said the Lawn Party is a celebration of the partnership between the university and the community.

“This is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate together,” he said. “It is also a time for all to say thank you to President Bill and Linda Perry for their great service to EIU and the community. The Mayor, President Perry, Coach Dameron and myself will be active participants.”

He said there is more emphasis on family participation.

“It signifies another great year of educating thousands of students and letting them know that EIU and Charleston is honored to be their home away from home,” Martin said. “Plus, it is our first opportunity to hear how awesome our Panther football team is going to play this fall.”

He said the event will be co-hosted by Eastern and the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. Martin said the Chamber of Commerce was helpful in promoting the event around the Coles County community.

Parking for the lawn party is available in the X lot to the east of Old Main. The University Police Department will not ticket after 4:30 p.m. in the X lot.  In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved into Old Main. As of press time, the weather is expected to be clear.

Rose Sacco can be reached at 581-2812 or rcsacco@eiu.edu.