Southern Arkansas University, in partnership with the city of Magnolia and Columbia County, announced last year that it will hold an inaugural Blue and Gold Day every year 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.
As stated by SAU President Dr. Trey Berry in an article Southern Arkansas University posted last year, “We are very excited about this first Blue and Gold Day on the town square. 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!”
The community-rallying event is FREE and features numerous fun-filled activities for kids and adults alike including face painting, photo booths, giveaways, and bounce houses. Free hot dogs and all!
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.Some will even have giveaways!
Additionally, SAU will have representatives and informational booths from the Alumni Office, Admissions, Athletics, Development, the Mulerider Club, Making Magnolia Blossom, Rodeo and several other areas. Some with giveaways, as well!
As part of the evenings’ festivities, the SAU band and cheerleaders have performances and numerous athletes and coaches from the SAU athletic department are in attendance to take pictures and sign autographs for fans. Additionally, there is live entertainment by a local band or various artists, chosen each year. They perform in front of the east side of the court house.
SAU Director of Athletics, Steve Browning stated in an article Southern Arkansas University posted last year, “We are really excited to be able to be a part of this event." “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,” Butler stated in an article Southern Arkansas University posted last year. “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 once SAU Alumni Relations finalizes them. Further information will be sent out closer to the event this year of August 23, 2016 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Last year was actually my first year working as a student assistant with SAU Alumni Relations. We had a busy day, but it was such a great time hosting this event. It was so amazing seeing everyone welcome SAU and the community together as a whole!
Here are some main reasons, in my opinion, you should never miss Blue and Gold Day:
1. The Community and SAU come together!
This time of year, with Blue and Gold Day, SAU and the community work hard together to make it a great experience! When you come to this event, you get to "meet and greet" everyone with SAU and the community of Magnolia! If you are a freshman, this is a great time to see what is offered withing this town and what opportunities both Magnolia and SAU has to offer.
2. You get to see downtown Magnolia in action!
With all the merchants and SAU offices together in one place, you can get to know everyone at a personal level, AND you get to have a good time doing it! Magnolia can be a fun place when we all come together for one big event!
3. Free performances!
There is always a good performance from either a local band or various artists at Blue and Gold Day! They play throughout the day to keep it a fun and loud event! You can either sit back, relax, enjoy your free food and drinks and listen, or you can mingle and enjoy the background music!
2) Great for the kids!
This event is great for your kids to come out with you! Don't you dare leave them at the house when we have face paintings, bouncy houses, free food and fun people to visit with, like the famous football players from SAU!
1. The town is painted BLUE AND GOLD!
It is a really neat experience to see how many people come to this event in their blue and gold t-shirts! The town really looks like a big Mulerider! You also get to meet new people and even run into old and new friends you have already acquainted yourself with!
We hope to see you there this year! Our event will be hosted on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 from 3 - 8 pm! Stay SAU PROUD and I will see you there! :)
