Arcadia students, faculty, and staff carried their University pride into Downtown Glenside during the annual Rock the Knight celebration and Downtown Glenside Food Truck Festival on Thurs., Sept. 11.

Students first gathered on the Walk of Pride for the Activities and Resource Fair, scouting the dozens of student organizations, clubs, and support services, and learning more about how to get involved on campus.

Following the fair, University President Ajay Nair and First Lady Paayal Nair led the procession of hundreds of students, faculty, and staff down Easton Road and into the heart of Glenside for the Food Truck Festival. 

Nearly 50 food trucks lined Easton Road and Glenside Avenue in the center of town, with four bands and two acoustic musicians playing live music throughout the area. Some popular food trucks like Humpty’s Dumplings and Lil Ping Corn made their return, while other vendors like Federal Donuts and Delco Steaks participated for the first time.

“The event just brings everyone together, it just feels so full of life,” said Brayden Karmann ’29, who had just tried a cinnamon sugar donut and frozen lemonade from Federal Donuts.

“This event is a good chance to get off campus and do something with your friends,” added Morris Pitts ’29. “It’s great to get out and try something new.”

Vendors like Barkley BBQ, which made its festival debut this year, were thrilled to serve students and create a welcoming environment.

“I’ve been in college, I know the foods you eat in college because the money is tight, and I know that it means a lot when a student can get a good meal, and I bring good comfort food that goes a long way,” said Terrell Barkley of Barkley BBQ. “This event has such a good reputation, such a good vibe, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. We all need some laughter, love, and happiness, just some good times.”

“It’s really fun,” said Pat Poulson ’29, who had just finished some cheesesteak eggrolls. “I’m trying to do as much as possible to get involved and trying to meet a lot of people in the community. This [event] is a really good thing, not just for me but for everyone else too.”

That sentiment is at the heart of Rock the Knight, and exactly what the Downtown Glenside Foundation hopes to deliver in its collaboration with Arcadia.

“This event is so special because it really is geared to the students and welcoming them to Downtown Glenside,” said Maureen Haff, president of the Downtown Glenside Foundation. “Collaborating with Arcadia University on events gives Downtown Glenside a college town feel, and on top of great food, we hope that when the students graduate, they look back and remember all the great things that Downtown Glenside has to offer and how welcome they felt while they were here.”