Southern Arkansas University, in partnership with the city of Magnolia and Columbia County, has announced that it will hold an inaugural Blue and Gold Day on Tuesday, August 25 from 4-8 p.m. on the Magnolia Square. On this day, 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 this first Blue and Gold Day on the town square,” said SAU President Dr. Trey Berry. “This will be a wonderful event to bring Magnolia and SAU closer together and to highlight both town pride and university spirit. Come celebrate with us on August 25th!”
The community-rallying event is FREE and will feature numerous fun-filled activities for kids and adults alike including face painting, photo booths, giveaways, and bounce houses. Free hot dogs grilled by the Mulerider Cookteam will be provided while they last courtesy of SAU.
Representatives from local churches, restaurants, banks, insurance companies, beauty shops/nail salons, dry cleaners, and a variety of other local businesses will have information booths.
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 other areas.
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 and sign autographs for fans. Additionally, there will be live entertainment by local band 8 Second Ride. They will perform from 6:30-8 p.m. in front of the east side of the court house.
“We are really excited to be able to be a part of this event,” noted SAU Director of Athletics, Steve Browning. “From an athletic standpoint, we understand the importance that the Magnolia community has on all of our programs and we are always looking for ways in which to strengthen our connection with the community of Magnolia and this event will do just that as we will put faces to the names of our athletes and coaches.”
SAU President Dr. Berry, Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann, Judge Larry Atkinson, Head Football Coach Bill Keopple and Coach Browning will all speak.
“Blue and Gold Day” was the vision of SAU Alumni Board President and Prosecuting Attorney, 13th Judicial District of Arkansas, David Butler. Mr. Butler hoped to start a tradition each August in which SAU and Magnolia could come together and celebrate.
“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, 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.”
Official Blue and Gold Day t-shirts will be sold for $5 while they last and numerous informational booths related to SAU and Magnolia will be available. Please call the Alumni Office at 870-235-4079 to order t-shirt.
The following is a schedule of events:
1:30 p.m. Barricade off the Magnolia Square
4:00 p.m. Mulerider Athletics Fan Day Begins:
- SAU Athletes & Coaches signing autographs for kids.
- Face Painting (by SAU Cheerleaders)
- Photo Booth (with SAU Athletes & the SAU Mulerider Payton Baird)
- 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 Trey Berry, Athletic Director Steve Browning and Football Coach Bill Keopple, Mayor Parnell Vann, and Judge Larry Atkinson.
6:30-8:00 p.m. Local band 8 Second Ride performs
- Public is asked to bring lawn chairs (No chairs will be provided)
