Savannah State Update:
- Event split: sanctioned beach festival Crush Reloaded organized by Steven Smalls; trademark holder George Turner III runs separate Savannah events.
- Savannah State University is not sponsoring the festivities; campus remains drug- and alcohol-free with increased housing security and monitoring.
- Crush Reloaded weekend features live DJs, dance competitions, vendors; Welcome to Crush Reloaded launches Friday at 4 p.m.; enjoy responsibly.
A crowd of partiers gather on the beach for Orange Crush in Tybee Island on Saturday, April 20, 2024. The island put various traffic and safety protocols in place in anticipation of large crowds in town Orange Crush, an annual spring break gathering for college students. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)
The highly anticipated Orange Crush festival is returning to Tybee Island this weekend, April 17–19, and the buzz on campus is undeniable. What started in 1989 as a local gathering founded by Savannah State University students has grown into a massive cultural attraction, with officials expecting upwards of 35,000 visitors to hit the coast for music and social events.
For many Tigers, the weekend represents a much-needed break before the end-of-semester push. I am looking forward to hanging out on the beach with my peers,” said SSU student Nyla Skipper. Fellow student Azjhayla Brown shared that sentiment, noting she is simply excited to “relax on the beach” with friends.
While the tradition continues, this year’s landscape looks a little different. Due to a split between organizers, the permitted beach festival on Saturday, April 18, is officially operating under the name Crush Reloaded. Organized by Steven Smalls, this sanctioned event will feature live DJs, dance competitions, and vendors right on the sand.
Meanwhile, George Turner III—the Orange Crush trademark holder—is hosting a separate slate of events in Savannah and surrounding areas, including “Crush The Mic” and various pool parties throughout the weekend.
Despite the excitement, Savannah State University officials are taking a firm stance to ensure student safety. Following a turbulent 2023 that saw several injuries and arrests, the university has reiterated that it does not sponsor the event.
Students remaining on campus can expect a much higher security presence. Barry Dorsey, resident director of University Commons, confirmed that housing staff will be increasing rounds to monitor student areas.
“We as housing staff will be increasing our rounds… making sure students know we are there,” Dorsey said.
The university is also reminding residents that campus remains a drug- and alcohol-free zone, regardless of the festivities happening off-site. As the “Welcome to Crush Reloaded” event kicks off this Friday at 4 p.m., student leaders are encouraging everyone to enjoy the beach responsibly and represent the Tiger spirit well.
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