Each year, the Meijer stores in Lake Lansing and Okemos bring in approximately 3,000 students each, and across the Midwest, approximately 40,000 students will participate in similar Meijer Madness events, according to Meijer press release. 

The event was filled with ways for students to save. Coupons were handed out upon arrival and yellow sale tags filled every aisle. In addition to offering students low prices, the event featured activities and contests for students such as a DJ, photo booth, giveaways and free food sampling.

“It’s amazing," physiology freshman Carl Gyapong-Ankamah said. "I think it’s a nice way to shop as well as, at the same time, meet people.” 

Many students who attended the event for the first time. Political science sophomore Alyssa McCloud was one of these students. Getting free merchandise and money off of the products is nice, she said.

Meijer customers dance to "Cupid Shuffle." @thesnews pic.twitter.com/Wr5y5rA0s6

— Madison O'Connor (@madison_o22) August 30, 2016

Students were able to get to the event by riding the Capital Area Transportation Authority, CATA, buses. Many of these buses traveled only to and from the Meijer locations, and were free for the students headed to Moonlight Madness.

“It (riding the bus) was fun,"  journalism freshman Allia McDowell said. "We met people on the bus — we took the bus just because."

McDowell said she was excited when the event was kicking off and that she couldn't wait to get the freebies.

Spartans wait in line for free food and samples outside of the Lake Lansing Meijer. @thesnews pic.twitter.com/Dud7Eqh4wY

— Madison O'Connor (@madison_o22) August 30, 2016

“We sat with some fun people on the bus and got to know some new people making friends, I guess that’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Human biology freshman Hannah Trondle was swayed by the free bus transportation to the event.

“I loved that it was free, because if it wasn’t free, I probably wouldn’t come, to be honest,” Trondle said.

Last year, CATA buses at MSU transported 5,199 students to the event, CATA said in a statement.

“CATA’s involvement in Moonlight Madness is to introduce students to the quality services we offer on and off campus, particularly the routes that travel to the Lake Lansing and Okemos Meijer stores,” CATA said.