MAGNOLIA, Ark. – Southern Arkansas University, in partnership with the city of Magnolia and Columbia County, has announced that "Blue and Gold Day" on the Magnolia Square is returning for its second year after an immensely successful inaugural event last year.
This year's community rally will take place on Tuesday, August 23 from 4-8 p.m. and the Magnolia community is encouraged to wear blue and gold in support of SAU and also to come out and enjoy a great evening of fellowship with its citizens.
"We are very excited about Blue and Gold Day on the town square," exclaimed SAU President Dr. Trey Berry. "This event has proven to be a wonderful way to bring Magnolia and SAU closer together and to highlight both town pride and university spirit. Come celebrate with us on August 23rd!"
Like last year, Blue and Gold Day and its activities are
FREE and will be numerous and fun-filled for kids and adults alike. Activities include: face painting, photo booths, giveaways, and bounce houses. Free hot dogs grilled by the Mulerider Cook Team will be provided while they last courtesy of SAU.
Representatives from local churches, eating establishments, banks, insurance companies, beauty shops/nail salons, dry cleaners, and a variety of other local businesses will have information booths set up.
Additionally, SAU will have representatives and informational booths from the Alumni Office, Admissions, Athletics, Development, the Mulerider Club, Making Magnolia Blossom, Rodeo, as well as several more.
As part of the evenings' festivities, the SAU band and cheerleaders will have performances and numerous athletes and coaches from the SAU athletic department will be in attendance to take pictures with fans. Additionally, there will be live entertainment recording artist Madison Watkins (appeared on America's Got Talent) will perform from 6-7 p.m. in front of the west side of the square.
"We are really excited to build upon the tremendous success of last year's event," noted SAU Director of Athletics,
Steve Browning. "To see the community come out and support SAU like it did last year was an awesome sight and I think it really propelled us to a great year for Mulerider Athletics."
"As an athletic department, we understand the importance that the Magnolia community has on all of our programs," added Browning. "We are always looking for ways to strengthen our connection with the community of Magnolia, and having this event each year will do just that as we will put faces to the names of our athletes and coaches."
SAU President Dr. Trey Berry, Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann, Judge Larry Atkinson, Magnolia Chief of Police Glenn Maxwell, Head Football Coach
Bill Keopple and Coach Browning will all speak on the stage throughout the evening.
Official Blue and Gold Day t-shirts will be sold at Jennifer's in advance beginning on Monday, August 15 and at the event for $5 while they last. Numerous informational booths related to SAU and Magnolia will be available. For more information, please call the Alumni Office at 870-235-4079.
The genesis for "Blue and Gold Day" was the vision of SAU Alumni Board President and Prosecuting Attorney, 13th Judicial District of Arkansas, David Butler as he sought to start a tradition that had at least one day a year in which SAU could connect better with Magnolia and vice versa.
"I believe Blue and Gold Day is going to be successful because of the combined efforts of SAU President, Trey Berry, Magnolia Mayor, Parnell Van, Judge Larry Atkinson, Col. Co. Circuit Clerk's office, and the SAU Alumni Office, Athletic Office, and Student Affairs," said Butler. "Additionally, the Chamber of Commerce has worked tirelessly coordinating with the Magnolia Merchants and I cannot think of a better way to welcome the SAU students to our town and invite the community to celebrate what SAU is all about. It is going to be a great event."
The following is a schedule of events:
2:00 p.m. Barricade off the Magnolia Square
4:00 p.m. Mulerider Athletics Fan Day Begins:
? Face Painting (by SAU Cheerleaders)
? Photo Booth (with SAU Athletes)
? Bouncy Houses
? Giveaways to kids
5:00 p.m. Hot dogs begin to be served
while they last
5:15 p.m. SAU Band and Cheerleaders perform
5:30 p.m. Greetings from SAU President Dr. Trey Berry, Athletic Director
Steve Browning and Football Coach
Bill Keopple, Mayor Parnell Vann, and Judge Larry Atkinson, Chief of Police Glenn Maxwell, and other local representatives
6-7:00 p.m. Recording artist Madison Watkins (appeared on America's Got Talent) performs
(Public is asked to bring lawn chairs - No chairs will be provided)