Communities Matter: A Grinnell Hometown Expo

The Grinnell community comprises long-time residents, students from across United States, and international students from around the world, all living together in community — this is what makes Grinnell remarkable. Join us in welcoming both domestic and international students to Grinnell and learning about their hometowns and all that they bring to our community in an interactive and fun way. The Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research, along with the Student Government Association (SGA), are hosting a Hometown Expo event on Saturday, April 16 from 2–6 p.m. on Ward Field. Students have signed up to create tables with activities tailored to introduce the Grinnell community to places far and wide. 

Morgan Niner, Grinnell College AmeriCorps VISTA, said, “I am excited to showcase a vital part of the College campus — the students. They have put together a wonderful display of their hometowns. I cannot wait for people to see what the students have put together.”  

“I’m really excited for this event because the Grinnell community shares their hometown with us every day, and this will be a chance for students to share where they're from with community members. It's also just a chance for people across the community to connect and have together for a day,” says Sarah Beiner, SGA resource and services coordinator.  

Local musicians including Too Many Strings and the Grinnell Children’s Choir will provide entertainment throughout the afternoon. A variety of local food trucks will provide food and drinks onsite including Sweet Swirls Ice Cream and Big Acai Mobile Cafe. A list of hometowns represented, entertainment, and food options can be found on the Grinnell College Events app – more information on how to download the app can be found below.  

WHEN

Saturday, April 16, 2022, from 2 to 6 p.m.  

WHERE

Ward Field, located in the center of campus behind the Harris Center.   
Parking will be available at the Bear Center. 
*The event will be held in Darby Gym in case of rain. 
The address for the Bear Center and Darby Gym is 1201 10th Ave, Grinnell, IA 50112 

WHO

Students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.  

DETAILS

• Food Trucks: Sweet Swirls Ice Cream and Big Acai Mobile Cafe 
• Local Entertainment: Grinnell Children’s Choir and Too Many Strings 

A full list of entertainment and food options can be found on the Grinnell College Events app. Android users can find the app in the Google Play Store by searching Grinnell College Events. IPhone users can visit the app store and search for the Guidebooks app and then within the app search Hometown Expo. 

Grinnell College welcomes the participation of people with disabilities. For information, contact Conference Operations at 641-269-3178.  
Important: Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Grinnell College is not responsible for supervision of minors on campus.