By Sean Vaughn

College students from around the county will be able to get their shuffle on when the Colleges of Worcester Consortium hosts its second annual Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle on September 6 in partnership with the Shrewsbury Street Merchants Association (www.shrewsburystreet.org/). It’s a day when students can get the true taste of Worcester ~ figuratively and literally. It’s the perfect way for college students and faculty to kick off the new school year. Director of Student Affairs Karen Manson shares that the event is one of her favorites.

“I love this event and it offers a lot to the community,” said Manson. “Part of the reason for doing this is showing college students this great area.”

Last year’s event was a terrific debut. The streets were flooded with students and faculty enjoying the city. Manson says that when planning the event, the Consortium drew a lot of inspiration from similar events like Taste of Shrewsbury Street. The Shuffle exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“We thought it would be a big success because of the reputation of the Taste of Shrewsbury Street had, and the faculty and staff already knew about that and helped spread the word to the students,” said Manson. “So we were expecting it to be big. It was a big success.”

Several businesses on “Restaurant Row” will be participating including The Flying Rhino. Buttons can be purchased at the Student Activities Office on college campuses for $10 before the event. On the day of the event, they’re $15.

Along with great food, there will be plenty of entertainment. The Assumption College Offbeats, the Anna Maria College Jazz Ensemble, the Clark University Hip Hop Collabo, the Holy Cross Ballroom Dance Club and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Jazz Ensemble will add to the fun. The performers enjoy taking part in the event.

“It created a great festive atmosphere,” said Manson. “All of them except the ballroom dancing performed last year and they loved it.”

WXLO will be on hand. A radio DJ will be setting up games and giving away prizes.The Hanover Theatre is also taking part. Following the Shuffle, which runs from 12 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be a show put on by the Improv Asylum. It’s a great way to end an eventful day.

The Consortium wanted to make it possible for all students to enjoy the experience. To that end, they’re offering free transportation. Proceeds from sponsors and button sales will go towards providing buses to bring students to the event.

“It’s definitely key to our success because a lot of students don’t have cars and if they do they’re not sure where to go,” said Manson.

Manson and everyone at the Consortium have high hopes for the Shrewsbury Street College Shuffle. They want it to be the type of event that kicks off the school year for years to come.

“From our perspective, we really want to create shared traditions for all the students who are part of the Consortium,” said Manson. “Every year we want people to come back, and have great food and we all get together and meet students from all the campuses at Shrewsbury Street.”

So far, building that tradition is off to a good start.

“I think as long as the weather is nice it’s a no-brainer,” said Manson. “It’s a real easy, fun event for students to go to. They can get their ticket in advance, go and just have fun.”

Visit the Consortium web site for more information at www.cowc.org.