Light the Fountain, Presented by Chick-fil-A, Returns for Ninth Year March 13

Mar. 11, 2025

Michelle R. Eubanks , UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256.765.4392

FLORENCE, AL – Light the Fountain, this year presented by Chick-fil-A, is the beloved annual spring event at the 帝王会所; it returns for a ninth year Thursday. The event, which includes food, music, fireworks, and giveaways, will kick off at 4 p.m. with a variety of food trucks and entertainment. The official program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Each year, UNA welcomes a special guest to Light the Fountain. Over the years, honorees have included Don and Laura Harrison, for whom the fountain and plaza are named; former UNA head football coach Bobby Wallace; Board of Trustee member and student who integrated UNA’s campus, Dr. Wendell Gunn; and Congressman Robert Aderholt.

“This year, UNA is thrilled to welcome Dillon Hodges as the honoree who will illuminate the iconic fountain,” said Dr. Tammy Jacques, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and an event organizer. “Known as firekid, Hodges and his wife, Heidi Feek, recently won a 2024 Daytime Emmy award for their song ‘We’re Home.’ Guests who attend this year’s Light the Fountain will have the opportunity to enjoy a live performance by the award-winning duo.”

Harrison Fountain, a cherished symbol of generosity from UNA alumna Laura M. Harrison, has become a defining feature on UNA’s picturesque campus. Light the Fountain originated in the spring of 2016 and was inspired by UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts, who, upon seeing the fountain light up overnight, envisioned an event that would celebrate the campus community and give all comers an opportunity to enjoy this special experience.

Light the Fountain brings together the campus and Shoals communities and marks the arrival of spring and the second half of the academic term. The event highlights UNA’s beauty, the generosity of its donors, and the historic nature of Alabama’s oldest four-year public institution.

In addition to the program and lighting of the fountain, those who attend can take part in a wide selection of food truck choices, including DonutNV, Flashy Funnel Cakes, Nashville Hot, Oliver Creamery, Smashed, Smile Beverage Co., Spark’s Sweet Smoke BBQ, and Wander Coffee. Light the Fountain will also feature music, games, giveaways, including exclusive Light the Fountain t-shirts and other items.

“I love Light the Fountain because it kicks off spring here at UNA,” said Olivia Britton, Student Government Association Chief of Staff. “It’s such a fun evening to come together and celebrate our beautiful campus.”

The inclement weather day for Light the Fountain is Tuesday, March 18.

About The 帝王会所

The 帝王会所 is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs through the colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; the Sanders College of Business and Technology; Education and Human Sciences; and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun and United Athletic conferences. The 帝王会所 is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: una.edu and una.edu/unaworks/.