Almost 700 people took to East Lansing's streets Wednesday afternoon — but it wasn't to cause trouble.
An army of about 180 residents adorned with Spartan-green raincoats stood stationed on M.A.C. Avenue. Within minutes, a plain-clothed cavalry of about 500 others filled the gaps between the soldiers.
Then the countdown began.
It was to commemorate the start of the city's 100th anniversary celebration, with a "Human 100" photo-shoot next to the Marriott hotel at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Ave.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime celebration that brings the whole community together, and it shows we care about the place," East Lansing resident Michelle Carson, 38, said.
Carson and her two sons, 12-year-old Alex and 7-year-old Brady, were part of the raincoat-clad army, which from above, formed the number 100 against the surrounding participants.
Those wearing raincoats preregistered to participate in the event, said Ami Van Antwerp, communications coordinator for East Lansing. The remaining people in the photo were other residents, MSU students and more than 400 fifth- and sixth-grade students from the city's school district.
But with more participants than expected, not everyone who preregistered was able to wear a poncho.
"I'm a little disappointed," psychology freshman Kathryn Chisholm said when she found out she'd be without the green garment. "It only happens once every 100 years, so I thought I'd come out and take part."
Although the event drew a sizable crowd, several residents commented on the lack of MSU presence in the photo.
"There should be more students out here than there are," said Jennifer Houtz, general manager of Chipotle Mexican Grill, 539 E. Grand River Ave. "It's disappointing — they should take pride in their city."
Carson said it might not be apathy that kept students away.
"It's at noon, so it's hard for people who work or have class," she said.
Lansing Community College student Ryan Swan moved to East Lansing six months ago from Salt Lake City. He said he came to take part in the ambiance of the East Lansing celebration.
"It's a big city but a small town at the same time," Swan said. "The students really make it a very personable place to be."
While surveying the crowd next to Houtz, nursing junior Bryan Heinze made note of the age gap among the participants.
"I don't see anyone under 40," Heinze said. "I think a lot of students are from out-of-town, and they just don't care about East Lansing. But I'm from out-of-town, and I'm still here.
"You look at other towns that are 100 years old, and they're not nearly as nice as East Lansing."
