TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — As the new school year welcomed students back to campus, the City of Troy provided a way for new students to meet the businesses around them.

Friday, the Troy IDEA Bank and TROY’s Student Government Association (SGA) held taste Taste of Troy. The event aimed to help students get to know local businesses.

“Local businesses are a really important part of our community as are the Troy University students,” said Mauree Alice Porter IDEA Bank Program Coordinator. “We think this introduction through Taste of Troy is a really important part to getting students introduced to the community and inspiring them to shop local and support these local businesses.”

Businesses provided giveaways, prizes and free food samples. Attendees also participated in raffle prizes and enjoyed live music on the square.

“I heard that there was going to be a lot of free stuff and of course I’m going to want to take part in that,” said student Isabella Bishop. “But I also just wanted to get more of a feel of the kinds of opportunities that I have as a TROY student because I’m not from the area.”

Taste of Troy even helped one TROY student represent his family’s business.

“I’m a freshman in Troy,” said Anthony Tzanahua of Rike’s Tacos. “I started I’m majoring in global business and I hope to gain better knowledge and hopefully expand our restaurants.”

Overall, Taste of Troy gave new and returning students alike a chance to get to know the Troy community.

“Put yourself out there, explore all the different businesses,” Bishop said. “Don’t stay cooped up in your dorm building.”

To stay up-to-date on community events, visit Downtown Troy Alabama and the City of Troy‘s Facebook pages.