All Around Albany 2014: Good and Growing

Students crushing at the foosball table at All Around Albany. Students played
for a gift card from Pepper Jack's, a popular restaurant with students. 

This year’s All Around Albany was a smashing success, for students and business members alike. In addition to serving the University at Albany, we also brought in students from College of Saint Rose and Albany Law School, introducing Central Avenue to even more new students.

Students enjoyed entertainment provided by local vendors, including Daryl Baldwin’s balloon artistry, Capture a Moment Photo Booth, henna tattoos, foosball courtesy of Greco Bros. Amusement Company, music from the Washington Avenue Armory, and caricatures by Jeanne Benas. The Ramada Plaza hosted, providing wall-to-wall food.

This year we welcomed 38 businesses, up from last year’s count of 36. These businesses met with students all afternoon, introducing them to their goods and services; many also offered samples of their food. Businesses expressed that they were pleased with student turnout, engagement, entertainment, and their location within the event. Suggestions for improvement included moving the event closer to Central Avenue and distributing CDTA bus schedules/routes for all the participating businesses. We are looking forward to another successful year next year, when we expect four schools, UAlbany, College of Saint Rose, Albany Law School, and Albany College of Pharmacy.