An aerial view of the Courthouse Square on Blue and Gold Day 2016.
Southern Arkansas University, in partnership with the city of Magnolia and Columbia County, has announced the third annual Blue and Gold Day on Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 5 p.m.-7 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 hope that everyone in town will come out and welcome our students back to Magnolia,” Dr. Trey Berry, SAU president, said. “This event has become important to SAU as a way to start the new school year and also bring our town and university together.”
The free community event will feature several fun activities for the whole family to enjoy including face painting, photo booths and bounce houses. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet SAU athletes, listen to the SAU Marching Band, eat nachos, watch the Rodeo Team do some roping, dunk volunteers and see who wins the “I’m the WeINNER” hot dog eating contest.
SAU students new to the community will have the chance to visit the downtown merchants, look for a church home and sign up for door prizes.
The event will also pay homage to the late David Butler, who made Blue and Gold Day a reality. Butler, who died suddenly on Sunday, Aug. 13, was prosecuting attorney for the 13th Judicial District and was also serving as the president of the Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association.
Butler will be honored with a moment of silence and a balloon release at 5:30 p.m. Berry, Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann, and County Judge Larry Atkinson will then welcome visitors.
A pep rally will follow at 5:45 p.m. The hot dog eating contest is slated for 6:30 p.m., and throughout the event, students can participate in a treasure hunt.
